manteca

new fire chief appointed: Kirk Waters has been appointed Manteca fire chief, officially taking the helm of a department he's run on an interim basis since the retirement of previous Chief Chris Haas.

"Kirk has shown true leadership ability, especially over these past 10 months, as the city has worked to restructure the organization to reduce our operational costs," City Manager Steve Pinkerton said in a statement announcing Waters' appointment Thursday.

A Manteca firefighter for 22 years, Waters also is active in the community. He is a youth basketball coach for local schools and the recreation department, and is active in the Boys and Girls Club of Manteca/Lathrop, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Raymus Hope Family Shelter.

He and his wife of 16 years, Shelly, have six children.

The public is invited to a swearing in ceremony for Waters at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at Manteca City Council, 1001 W. Center St.

— Staff report