After a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in the fire service, CalFIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit Chief Eric Ewing has officially retired. The agency announced that Chief Ewing’s retirement became effective on December 22, 2025, marking the end of 34 years of dedicated service specifically within the Lassen-Modoc Unit.
Chief Ewing’s roots in local service run deep. His career began in 1988 as an Explorer with the Susanville Volunteer Fire Department, where he remained an active member for 24 years. In 1992, he transitioned to his professional career with CalFIRE, starting as a Firefighter 1 in the Lassen-Modoc Unit.
Unlike many who move across the state to chase promotions, Chief Ewing was driven by a loyalty to the local community, remaining in the LMU for the entirety of his career. He rose steadily through the ranks, serving as a Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief, before ultimately leading the unit as Unit Chief.
During his tenure, Ewing served in a wide variety of assignments across the region, including stations and camps at Susanville, Grasshopper, Westwood, Bieber, Alturas, Deer Springs and Devils Garden.
Ewing served in several leadership roles including Battalion Chief at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center, Chief with the Lassen County Office of Emergency Services, Assistant Chief over Administration at LMU, Lassen County Fire Warden and Director of Lassen County Office of Emergency Services.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Chief Ewing reflected on the relationships and community support that defined his time in leadership.
“It has been an honor and humbling experience to have served my community in such capacities,” said Ewing. “Thank you to those that mentored, supported and trusted me throughout my career; for that I am eternally grateful. A special thank you to my family for their support and guidance while enduring the long hours and demands of such a career.”
Ewing noted that interagency cooperation was a key component of his career and a major factor in what makes the Lassen-Modoc area a “great place to work and live.”
Representatives from the unit expressed their gratitude for his decades of commitment, stating, “Thank you Chief for the years of dedication and service to our unit, your leadership and guidance will be greatly missed! We sincerely hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement!”
