3 days ago
Former Linda fire chief seeks seat on Yuba board
Retired Linda fire chief and U.S. Air Force veteran Rich Webb announced that he will run for Yuba County Board of Supervisors, District 1, representing the Linda and Edgewater communities.
'My entire adult life has revolved around service and giving back to this community I love,' Webb said. 'First through my service in the Air Force, then through 34 years as a local firefighter, and now as a volunteer for local service groups and organizations that support survivors of tragedy and our first responders.'
Webb's career began at 20 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force, where he trained as a firefighter and an emergency medical technician. After his active duty service, he became a civilian firefighter at Beale Air Force Base and volunteered for the Linda Fire District. He was awarded Yuba County Fireman of Year in 1986, nominated for the Department of Defense Civilian Firefighter of the Year in 1987, promoted to Linda fire captain in 1990 and appointed Linda fire chief in 2000. He served as chief for 20 years and retired in 2020.
Currently, Webb is the president of the Yuba Sutter Trauma Intervention Program, where he volunteers to provide support for survivors of tragedy in the region. He is the vice president of Marysville Kiwanis and has been a member for 17 years. Webb also volunteers for the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank and Adventist Health and Rideout, serves on the Yuba County Measure K Citizens' Oversight Committee, and as president of the Yuba County Community Services Commission, working to reduce poverty in the county.
Webb is seeking the board seat of current District 1 supervisor Andy Vasquez, as he is not seeking reelection. Vasquez, who has served on the board since 2009, has endorsed Webb.
'Rich's background in public safety, his decades of service to Yuba County, his professionalism and his calm, level-headed demeanor are unmatched, and make him the perfect candidate to lead us into the future,' Vasquez said.
Webb said that if he is elected as supervisor, he will continue to support business development and infrastructure improvements in Linda, prioritize county funds for public safety, work to decrease homelessness and transient activity, and 'strive to bring back a sense of community to Linda through neighborhood events and more activities for our youth and seniors.'
'Through decades of good planning and our amazing partnership with the Yuba Water Agency, Linda is thriving and Yuba County has the opportunity to become the top business, residential and tourism destination in the region,' Webb said. 'Now more than ever, it is critical that we elect leaders with a proven track record of leadership, professional success and giving back. I would be honored to continue to serve our community as your next supervisor.'
