Riverside County Fire Chief Earns Esteemed Designation as Chief Fire Officer

The following was submitted for publication by the Riverside County Fire Department: 

CAL FIRE Riverside Unit and Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins recently received the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) designation as Chief Fire Officer.  Chief Hawkins is one of only 865 CFO’s throughout the world.

The CPC is an esteemed panel of professionals from local and federal government, as well as fire and emergency medical service experts that administer the CFO Designation Program.

Criteria for receiving this prestigious recognition is a rigorous process which includes a thorough assessment of the applicant’s education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, professional and industry-specific contributions, community involvement and finally, a future professional development plan.

Serving as the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief since 2006 only scratches the surface of Hawkins’ vast 50-year career in the fire service with CAL FIRE. Hawkins oversees what he has coined as an “integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection” system, inclusive of 97 fire stations, three inmate firefighter camps, one air attack base and nearly 1,600 career personnel. Hawkins is also serves as the County Operational Area Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Coordinator as well as the President of the Riverside County Fire Chief’s Association.

Chief Hawkins’ extensive emergency management, firefighting, administrational and operational expertise continues; he is one of only 24 certified California Fire Chiefs and a certified Chief Fire Officer and graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.

“I am very honored to be recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Throughout my career, I always tried to improve my education, experience and training. I strongly believe in making a difference”, said Hawkins.

John Hawkins comes from a family of firefighters, including his three sons. He strives to promote and uphold his core values of leadership, competency, integrity, safety and customer service; and expects the same of each and every firefighter and support personnel.