Rod Bywater selected as new Deputy Chief

Newly appointed San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland has announced the selection of the Unit’s new Deputy Chief, Rod Bywater. “Chief Bywater is a very experienced firefighter and leader. I am pleased that he is returning to the San Bernardino Unit. His leadership abilities will be a great asset to the Unit” said Chief McClelland. Chief Bywater returns to the San Bernardino Unit from his current position as the Northwest Division and Norco Conservation Camp Division Chief in the Riverside Unit.

Chief Bywater’s 25 year career began in 1986 as a seasonal firefighter in the Riverside Unit. In 1989 he promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer where he worked a number of fire station assignments. His promotion in 1994 to Captain brought Chief Bywater to the San Bernardino Unit where he worked at the Prado Conservation Camp in Chino. From there, he moved into the Emergency Command Center. Following that, he returned to the Riverside Unit where he worked as an engine and truck company captain.

In 2001, he was promoted to Battalion Chief in the Riverside Unit. His assignments included the Mountain Battalion where he had the opportunity to participate in the Riverside County MAST (Mountain Area Safety Taskforce) program. Chief Bywater promoted to his current position of Division Chief in 2008. “I am excited to be returning to the San Bernardino Unit and look forward to working with the unit’s personnel and local area fire departments” said Chief Bywater.