By Mary O’KEEFE

The Angeles National Forest (ANF) announced the appointment of its new fire chief. James Hall is a 33-year veteran of the Forest Service.

On June 6, Hall was offered and accepted the position of Angeles National Forest fire chief.

After serving in the Army for three years, Hall began his career with the Forest Service in 1979, working his way to becoming a fire engine operator, squad boss and captain of a hot shot crew on the Lassen National Forest.

In 1994, Hall transferred to the Angeles National Forest serving in several positions including engine captain, battalion chief, ANF training officer, Fire Prevention officer and a temporary promotion to Southern Operations training officer overseeing wildland fire training for Southern California. He also helped establish the Southern California Consortium in 2006, serving as the first director. The consortium was developed to connect underserved youth living in diverse communities within the Los Angeles area to natural resource work experience, fostering their relationship with the Forest Service and introducing then to potential employment opportunities.

He accepted the deputy fire chief position in 2010 and for the past year and a half has been the acting forest fire chief.

“I’m honored to serve all those who visit the Forest by protecting its critical infrastructure from the threat of wildfires, other all-risk incidents and I will be providing continuous support to local, state, national and international cooperators,” said Hall. “I look forward to upholding the high standards expected not only by those set before me, but those of the public.”

Hall attended Humboldt State University where he earned his certificate of study in wildland fire management. Hall plans to continue his work with the wildland explorer post program, Fallen Heroes of the Antelope Valley, and enjoys spending time with his wife, seven children and eight grandchildren.

  Mary Okeefe