The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District announces the retirement of Fire Chief Robert Kovach. Chief Kovach’s retirement marks the culmination of over forty years of dedicated service in the fire service, all of which have been devoted to serving the residents and communities of Santa Barbara County, including fifteen years with the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District.
Chief Kovach began his fire service career with the Lompoc City Fire Department on May 26, 1979, as a part-time reserve firefighter. He was hired full-time in 1985 and later served as Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, and Battalion Chief, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and steady leadership both on emergency incidents and within the organization. After a long and honorable career with Lompoc City Fire, he retired in 2011.
On November 1, 2011, Chief Kovach joined the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District as a Battalion Chief. He served in that role for twelve years before being promoted to Fire Chief on October 1, 2023.
Reflecting on his career, Chief Kovach shared:…