Redding’s Interim Fire Chief has been named to the position on a permanent basis. The appointment is subject to council approval, and they’re likely to approve. Following the passing of Chief Gerry Grey, Deputy Chief Cullen Kreider took over command of the department to lead it through the worst catastrophe in the city’s history, the Carr Fire, which claimed the life of Fire Inspector Jeremy Stoke. The city held a nationwide competitive search for a new chief and found the most qualified person to be Cullen Kreider. He’s been with the department for 27 years. City Manager Barry Tippin says he’s the first chief since 1986 to work his way up from firefighter to chief.