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After nearly seven years with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Chief Richard Price will officially step down to run the PulsePoint Foundation.

The District appointed Jack Barton as interim fire chief on Friday.

Price announced his intention to retire last January but continued his duties as chief with virtually no pay and no benefits as a "volunteer." Barton, the District's operation chief, will begin his new role on Jan. 1.

Barton joined San Ramon Valley Fire in 1992 and has held the rank of firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief and, most recently, was appointed assistant chief of operations in 2012. He holds a degree in journalism from San Diego State University and is a California state fire marshal chief fire officer.

"Chief Barton has the skill set and institutional knowledge to lead the Fire District through this transitional time," said Fire District Board President Matthew Stamey. "He has full support from the Board and the entire agency; he is exceptionally well-qualified."

Formal recruitment for a new fire chief began in November and the board is currently reviewing applications. The board anticipates naming a new chief in early 2013.

According to a recruitment packet, the district is seeking a "visionary leader" with "uncompromising integrity." A salary is not listed on the packet, though Price's base salary in 2011 was $208,104, according to the District's finance supervisor.

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