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Herbert C. McElwee
updated: Dec 03, 2012, 1:16 PM
Source: Montecito Fire Protection District
It is with great sadness, and heavy hearts, that Montecito Fire reports the
passing of former Fire Chief Herbert C. McElwee.
Herb began his career in 1954 with the United States Forest Service. In 1964,
Herb was hired by Santa Barbara County Fire, where he promoted through the ranks
to Operations Section Chief. After 21 years of service with Santa Barbara County
Fire, Herb was appointed Fire Chief at Montecito Fire Protection District on
January 1, 1987. In June of 2000, Chief McElwee retired from Montecito Fire, but
he remained as a Liaison Officer on United States Forest Service Central Coast
Incident Management Team 7. He was actively working on national incidents and
wildland fires as recent as this summer, giving him approximately 56 years of
continual contributions to the fire service.
"Chief McElwee was a visionary who has profoundly influenced the direction of
the Montecito Fire Protection District and the fire service throughout Santa
Barbara County," said current Montecito Fire Chief Chip Hickman. "His leadership
and innovation will be greatly missed"
Chief McElwee brought Montecito Fire to a peak of professionalism when he
championed and negotiated participation on State and National Incident
Management Teams. Montecito Fire District became one of the most active
municipal contract agencies, sending trained personnel on major incidents all
over the nation, including Hurricane Katrina.
His many accomplishments included working on the Firescope committee to develop
the Incident Command System, which is now utilized nationwide; implementing the
Fire District's paramedic program and relocating and building a new station
headquarters. Chief McElwee also worked in partnership with the Montecito Water
District and Montecito Sanitary District to create MERRAG (Montecito Emergency
Response and Recovery Action Group), Montecito's citizen emergency response
team, which has been very active in community volunteer activities for over 25
years.
He was a past President of the Fire District's Association of California as well
as Forester and Fire Wardens. He was also active with the Western Fire Chief's
Association.
Retired Montecito Fire Chief Ron McClain worked with Herb for many years. "Herb
was an amazing and talented man that made many positive contributions to the
fire service and especially to Montecito Fire Protection District."
Chief McElwee was appointed by Governor Wilson to a State Task Force which
reviewed the service levels of health care facilities for special needs
children.
"I am saddened by the news of Herb's passing," said First District Supervisor
Salud Carbajal. "Herb McElwee was an extraordinary public servant who touched
the lives of countless individuals. He served and retired as Chief of the
Montecito Fire District with great distinction. He was a good friend and will be
dearly missed in our community. Herb's legacy of exceptional public service and
leadership within the District and beyond will be an inspiration to all. My
condolences and thoughts go out to the McElwee family."
Funeral services are pending.
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