South Lake Tahoe has a new fire chief. At least for now.

Bruce Martin was introduced at the Dec. 11 council meeting. He will be working on an interim basis through June 30.

In the 2012-13 budget the council had allocated funds for a deputy public safety director. Martin takes on that title under Police Chief Brian Uhler, but at the same time takes over the fire department. Uhler for about the last year had been chief of both departments.

Bruce Martin

Martin retired as chief of the Fremont Fire Department in June. He and his wife have already rented a house in the city.

City Manager Nancy Kerry said fire staff helped decide to bring Martin on board.

What she told Lake Tahoe News that she likes about Martin is his leadership capabilities.

Kerry said hiring an interim would give the city time to figure out what to do in the long term in regards to management at the fire department.

— Kathryn Reed