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Fire Chief Schlitz will move back south after 18 months in Phoenix By MEG LANDERS PHOENIX - After upgrading the department's training and equipment during 18 months on the job, Fire Chief Greg Schlitz is leaving. His resignation is effective May 25. "I'm leaving for family and personal reasons," said Schlitz, 50. Schlitz is moving back to San Luis Obispo County, Calif., where he grew up, to be closer to family. He will take with him his 9-year-old nephew, Ricky, whom he adopted as his son last winter. He said he has accepted a position selling medical equipment. Schlitz came to Phoenix in January 2001 after serving as a firefighter and paramedic with the California Department of Forestry from 1984 to 1999 in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. During that time, he was captain, training officer and relief administrative officer. "I think it's a shame he's leaving," said Nancy Miller, manager of Bear Lake Mobile Estates, adding that Schlitz and the Phoenix Fire Department are in the park several times a week responding to medical calls. Schlitz is a dedicated people-person, she said, and he sticks around after the call to make sure people are all right. "I know at times he's even come back to check on people," Miller said. "I've been doing this for 25 years," said Schlitz. "The highlights of the job are when you have an opportunity to help somebody and really make a change." During his time in Phoenix, Schlitz upgraded the training of his four staff members and approximately 20 volunteers, as well as helped the department to acquire a cardiac defibrillator and free smoke alarms to distribute and install for residents. "I've done a lot of work in the past year and a half from which I hope some of the benefits are yet to come," said Schlitz, explaining that he has written $67,000 worth of equipment grants that are still pending. Ken Hull, who's been a volunteer with the fire department for about 20 years, will be the acting fire chief until Schlitz is replaced. He said the city benefited from bringing in a chief from outside the area. "He was kind of a wealth of new experiences," he said. Hull said the City Council and the city administrator will review job descriptions and advertise for applicants. Miller said many will miss Schlitz. "He's been a great help to the people at this park," she said, "and we will be sorry to see him leave." Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected]. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.