A former Burbank firefighter has been chosen to step in as the city's
interim fire chief after Mike Davis retires at the end of the month,
officials announced Tuesday.
Rick Mehling, a 34-year veteran of the department, will assume the
top spot July 1 while the city manager's office continues its search
for a permanent Burbank Fire chief.
"[Mehling's] not going to just baby-sit," Assistant City Manager
Mike Flad said. "His primary goal is to help in the transition and as
we prepare for a new fire chief."
After climbing the ranks, Mehling retired in 2000 following three
years as a Burbank Fire battalion chief. In 2003, he filled in as
Community Disaster Coordinator when Rich Baenen was called to active
duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mehling will serve as fire chief for a year, and will be paid
between $9,900 and $12,000 a month.
Davis will step down after 35 years on the force, the last 14 of
which he served as chief.
Jackson Bell
