Council Appoints Bonacker to Head Fire Department
- Share via
Council members this week unanimously appointed Vincent F. Bonacker, who is now fire chief for Garden Grove, as the city’s new chief.
“We’re very pleased to bring Chief Bonacker to Orange,” Mayor Joanne Coontz said. “The entire council welcomes his leadership and experience.”
The Irvine resident is expected to begin his job in mid-December, city officials said. Until then, Interim Chief Richard Dittberner will continue in the post.
Bonacker began his career in 1974 with the Orange County Fire Department and held several positions in Garden Grove’s department before becoming chief in 1993.
Bonacker will be responsible for a department with 119 employees in seven stations and an annual budget of $14.4 million.
City Manager David L. Rudat, who was fire chief until 1995, said Bonacker will be an ideal fit for the city’s Fire Department.
“I know that he will quickly win the confidence of the residents and the council,” Rudat said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
