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The Redwood City Council on Monday unanimously approved a decision to appoint retired Fire Chief Ray Iverson as the interim fire chief while the city continues to search for a new fire department head.
Iverson retired as Redwood City’s fire chief on December 20, 2024. The city began its recruitment process for a permanent fire chief in August. He previously led the department since June 2021.
“We are in the final stages of the selection process,” said Human Resources Director Michelle Arca Katsuyosh during a presentation before the vote. “In order to maintain continuity of critical functions while the city completes the recruitment process, we are recommending hiring former Fire Chief Ray Iverson.”
Katsuyoshi told the council that the 2013 Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act created a government code section that requires public agency retirees to wait 180 days post retirement before returning to work for a public agency. The city staff recommended approving an exception to this waiting period.
Iverson will resume his duties on February 18 or upon CalPERS approval to hire—the agency that manages pensions for California public employees and retirees. He will be paid between $22,049 to $27,562 monthly to align with the fire chief pay range. According to the city staff, Iverson was paid $26,582 monthly before his retirement.
The council also appointed retired annuitant Jacqueline Barberini, who retired from her position as a communications dispatcher for the Redwood City Police Department dispatch division on Dec. 13.
“I went to the annual luncheon with the police department, and they talked about how desperately they need dispatch,” said Councilmember Diane Howard.
Barberini will continue her duties effective Jan. 14 or upon CalPERS approval to hire to fill the staffing need while the city trains new dispatch hires. She will be paid between $8,710 – $10,590 monthly to align with the standard public safety communications dispatcher pay range.
The appointments will remain in effect for up to one year with no added benefits or compensation as retired annuitants.
