Auburn City Fire Department chief announces resignation

The city of Auburn released news Friday afternoon that Fire Chief Dave Spencer has announced his resignation. The city's release stated Spencer had "intent to pursue other opportunities in community service" and that this resignation would be effective Aug. 29. Despite the effective resignation date, the Auburn City Fire Department had been operating with an "acting" fire chief for at least a week. City Manager Sean Rabé said Spencer was out of the office, which is why there was an acting fire chief. During his tenure, Spencer initiated several high-profile Community Risk Reduction programs that had a direct impact on reducing the city's wildfire risk. These proactive fire prevention efforts included managing the Bureau of Reclamation shaded fuel break, an inspection program that complied with state mandates, increasing staffing, opening Station 3 and increasing service to the community. Additionally, he revitalized the fire Department's training and development program, ensuring the city had well-trained and formally educated firefighters. He also secured an additional $2 million in various grants for the fire Department. Due to his efforts, a second fuel break will be built in the next three years, providing the community with more protection. Also preceding the announcement, the Auburn City Fire Department had been plagued with high turnover, including a battalion chief with more than 16 years of experience in Auburn. The city also recently froze four firefighter positions. "The city thanks Chief Spencer for his hard work and dedication to the community, the firefighters, and the region while reducing risk and improving service delivery," Mayor Alice Dowdin Calvillo said. "We wish Chief Spencer the best as he continues to pursue opportunities in community service." Rabé said he could not comment on anything outside what was in the press release. The Auburn Journal has reached out to city officials and Spencer and is awaiting additional input. This is a developing story.