RBFD Pins New Division Chief

The Redondo Beach Fire Department officially recognized its new division chief Friday in a pinning ceremony at the Historic Library at Veterans Park.

Division Chief Mark Winter, a 23-year veteran of the fire department, officially assumed his duties Oct. 5. He replaces former Division Chief Steve Hyink, who retired this summer.

"It's a big step to go from company officer to chief officer," Division Chief Rob Rappaport told Winter, who was promoted from the rank of captain, during the ceremony. "It's is a big responsibility; I know, Mark, (that) you're up to this."

"Mark hits the mark," Fire Chief Bob Metzger joked later.

More than a dozen on- and off-duty firefighters, as well as Winter's family, were in attendance as Audra Winter pinned her husband's badge to his chest. 

"We respond to people's needs often on the absolutely worst days of their lives," Metzger told the crowd. "It's not only meaningful, but absolutely essential."