CLEARLAKE – One of the county's fire chiefs is in a Santa Rosa hospital battling pneumonia.

Jim McMurray, chief of Lake County Fire Protection District, is reportedly in a Santa Rosa-area hospital's intensive care unit, according to a statement from the district issued Friday.

McMurray fell ill with pneumonia during the holidays, but the district reported he is now in stable condition and that his current prognosis is very positive.

The district reported that its board members are receiving daily updates on McMurray's status.

While McMurray is recovering, the district reported that Assistant Chief Bud Moore will be responsible for the district's day-to-day operations.

Besides holding down the duties of a fire chief, McMurray served two terms on the Clearlake City Council.

After eight years as a councilman he decided not to seek reelection in 2004, saying he wanted to make the fire district his focus.

McMurray was named Lake County's Man of the Year in 2001 as part of the Stars of Lake County annual community awards.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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