Fire Chief

Paul L. Benson was appointed Fire Chief of the Chino Valley Independent Fire District on July 17, 2000.

Chief Benson began his fire service career in 1971 as a Federal Firefighter in Redding, California, while also serving as a volunteer Firefighter for the Enterprise Fire Department. He promoted to Engineer in 1973, Captain in 1975 and Battalion Chief in 1980.

In 1982, he left the U. S. Forest Service and accepted a Captain's position with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) in Susanville, California. In 1985, Chief Benson promoted to Battalion Chief in the San Bernardino unit with CDF and moved to Victorville, California. He then promoted to Division Chief in 1992, Deputy Chief in 1993, and was appointed Fire Chief for the CDF-San Bernardino Unit in 1994.

In May, 1999, Chief Benson accepted the position of Fire Chief for the Hesperia Fire Protection District prior to his appointment as Fire Chief with the Chino Valley Independent Fire District.

Chief Benson has held a variety of State-wide, all-risk, Major Incident Command Teams positions, including three years as the Team Incident Commander. He has received numerous commendations and recognition for his dedication and commitment to the fire service and public safety.

Chief Benson graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Professional affiliations include the National Fire Protection Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire District Association of California, and the San Bernardino County Fire Chiefs Association.

Chief Benson is married to his wife, Denise, and has two children-Joshua, 23, and Amy, 21.