Pictured is CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Archie “Chip” Fowler who will retire at the end of December after more than 31 years in public service. Photo courtesy of CAL FIRE

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley City Council recognized CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Archie “Chip” Fowler on Dec. 15 with a proclamation honoring his retirement and more than three decades of service to Butte County and the State of California.

Mayor Mike Farr read the proclamation during a special meeting, noting Fowler’s long record of leadership, professionalism and commitment to public safety.

Farr said Fowler earned the respect of his colleagues, community members and partners for his integrity and tireless work ethic. 

“Chief Fowler has served the Gridley community with distinguished compassion and unwavering commitment, leaving a legacy of excellence that will benefit residents and firefighters for years to come,” Farr said. 

City officials credited Fowler with strengthening readiness, supporting firefighter development and enhancing community outreach during his tenure serving Gridley through CAL FIRE.

Fowler, who began his fire service career as a volunteer in Palermo and Thermalito, was hired as a seasonal firefighter in 1994 at the Harts Mill Fire Station near Berry Creek. He later served in Bangor and South Chico before being promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer at Jarbo Gap and Palermo.

In 2002, Fowler was promoted to fire captain in the Lassen Modoc Unit, supervising an inmate hand crew at Antelope Camp. He returned to the Butte Unit in 2004, serving in the Emergency Command Center, Jarbo Gap, Kelly Ridge and Pre Fire Engineering. Fowler was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2019 at CAL FIRE’s Northern Region Office in Redding, overseeing the Intelligence Office. He returned to Butte County in 2021 as Chief of Battalion 7 and later Battalion 9A, where he oversaw the city of Oroville Fire Department. 

In 2023, Fowler became Division Chief of the South Division, supervising Battalions 5, 6, 7 and 9.

“It’s been an honor to be your fire chief over the last couple years,” Fowler told council, describing the fire service as deeply family oriented. Fowler added the Gridley team felt like “another family” and that everyone works very well together and is very supportive. Fowler also emphasized the continued presence of the Gridley Fire Department within the CAL FIRE partnership, and even wished his uniform included a Gridley Fire patch. 

“Even though I work for Cal Fire, paid by Cal Fire, I am truly representing the Gridley Fire Department that is still very much alive,” Fowler said. 

Several colleagues from Gridley and Biggs spoke about Fowler’s mentorship and influence. 

Fire Capt. Dustin Maddows thanked Fowler for pushing him to grow professionally, saying he appreciated the work he has done and the kind of enthusiasm he brought to the city.

“It will help us carry on,” Maddows said. 

Council members and city staff also praised Fowler for his institutional knowledge, responsiveness, leadership and his attendance at city council meetings. 

“We’re going to miss having (Chief Fowler) around City Hall,” City Administrator Elisa Arteaga said. 

Fowler will retire at the end of December after more than 31 years in public service.