Hemet Fire Chief Eddie Sell has stepped down from his position after nearly four years at the helm of the city’s fire department, according to a resignation letter, dated July 11.
In his resignation letter he cited a new opportunity in Northern California as the reason for his departure.
“I have been offered an opportunity to take a position in a northern California city where it has always been my dream to end my career and ultimately retire in that area,” Sell wrote in his resignation letter emailed to Hemet City Manager Mark Prestwich.
Sell joined the Hemet Fire Department as chief in October 2021, following previous roles with Cal Fire and the Long Beach Fire Department. During his tenure, he oversaw several key initiatives, including remodeling Fire Station 1, placing Rescue Ambulance 4 into service, hiring new firefighters, and launching fire education programs at three high schools. He also helped implement the department’s Community Risk Reduction Cadet program.
In a statement, Prestwich confirmed Sell’s resignation, effective July 11, but declined to provide further comment, calling it a personnel matter. As of Tuesday, the city had not named an interim or acting chief.
According to Transparent California, Sell earned over $424,000 in pay and benefits in 2024. He currently serves as president of the California State Firefighters Association, a position he has held since 2019. He was also recognized as an “influencer” in the fire service by the International Fire & Safety Journal in 2023.
Sell’s predecessor, Scott Brown, served as chief for six years.
