Gaines retires as Morongo fire chief

Chief Kevin Gaines has retired after six years as head of the Morongo Fire Department.

Jason Carrizosa, an engineer and ALS coordinator with the department, has been named Gaines’ replacement.

Gaines spent 34 years with CAL FIRE before joining the Morongo Fire Department in 2015.

“Working for Morongo has been extremely fulfilling, and I’m very proud of the strides that the Morongo Fire Department has made over the past six years with the support of a tribal council, which is very committed to advancing public safety,” Gaines said in the statement. “I will miss the members of my department and the many tribal members I have come to know over the years.”

The Morongo Fire Department, was formed in the 1950s and was volunteer only. Today it has 24 full-time staff.