GARDEN GROVE FIRE CHIEF Tom Schultz (at left) speaks with two honored EMTs in 2016 (File photo).

Tom Schultz, Garden Grove’s fire chief since 2015, succumbed to pancreatic and liver cancer on Sunday (today).

According to Acting Fire Chief T.J. McGovern “The Schultz family is surrounded by family and loved ones. Please respect the family’s privacy while they navigate through this difficult time.”

Schultz came to the GGFD in April of 2015 after serving as deputy chief of operations for the Fullerton and Brea fire departments. He sought to retire in September 2018, but was convinced to remain in the position for a few more months.

He was the 13th and possibly last local fire chief. Garden Grove is negotiating a contract with the Orange County Fire Authority to take over fire and paramedic services, a change which could occur this year.

Memorial service information is pending.