VCFD gets new spokesperson

The Ventura County Fire Department has named Capt. Ron Oatman as the department's new spokesperson. He officially began his new duties in July but, until recently, has been assigned to fires in Northern California.

Oatman replaces Capt. Barry Parker, who will be returning to his regular firefighting duties at Station 36 in Oak Park. Parker served as the public information officer for two years.

"Capt. Parker has done a fine job of representing the people and practices of the fire department," said Fire Chief Bob Roper, "but like all firefighters, he missed being on a fire engine helping the citizens we serve."

Oatman, a 20-year veteran of the department, served most recently as a captain at Station 36.