Newport fire chief serves his final day

After nearly 30 years in the fire service, with the last three as the chief of Newport Beach’s Fire Department, Steve Lewis served his final day with the city Friday.

Lewis announced his retirement to city leaders last month, saying he needed to spend more time with his family.

“You can only juggle things so much, and now it’s time to take care of the personal side,” he told the Daily Pilot in late January.

Lewis arrived in Newport Beach as chief in November 2006. He was the sixth chief in the department’s 80-year history.

Starting Monday, Deputy Chief Dave Mais will act as chief until March 15, when interim Chief Steven E. Parker takes over for six months while the search for a permanent replacement is underway.

— Joseph Serna