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LAS CRUCES - At 52 years old, Adolf Zubia admitted he was too young to retire.
Now, the front-row seat in the north end zone of the Pan American Center that has been his season ticket to Aggie basketball for years will be used by someone else.
Zubia said he wanted to continue a professional career in firefighting and will do just that. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has appointed Zubia as state fire marshal.
"We're pleased that Adolf Zubia has agreed to serve as fire marshal because he strikes the perfect balance between protecting the safety and needs of our fire service members and strengthening our businesses," Haley said.
Zubia has more than 23 years of experience in fire and emergency services, including more than 17 years of management experience. His salary was not announced, but Zubia said it will be comparable to what he was earning as Las Cruces' fire chief - about $90,000 a year - when he retired on Dec. 31, 2009.
Zubia expects to begin his new duties later this month. He will focus on enforcement of state fire codes and will be active with that state's fire training academy.
During his time as city fire chief, Zubia participated in Harvard University's Fellowship Program for Senior Executives in state and local governments. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. Zubia has also served as president of International Code Council, a 50,000-member association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention.
Zubia
"I'm very happy for him," said Fire Chief Travis Brown, who succeeded Zubia. "I know he wanted to continue to have a career in fire protection. He's going to do an outstanding job, he's going to do a lot for the state of South Carolina."
Mayor Ken Miyagishima was also excited to hear about Zubia's new position.
"Adolf did nothing short of a magnificent job for the city of Las Cruces," Miyagishima said. "Personally, I'm very proud of the level of success he has attained. He's worked very hard to reach that level, and has proven his abilities time and time again."
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
To South Carolina
•Former Las Cruces Fire Chief Adolf Zubia has been named state fire marshal in South Carolina.
•Zubia, 52, was city fire chief from 2001 through 2009.
•Before becoming fire chief, Zubia was Do-a Ana County fire marshal and was a city firefighter for four years.
•He will begin his new duties later this month.
