"They needed help, I'm available and I have the experience," said Moyles, who replaces Jay Geddes on the commission.

Moyles will serve out the remaining 10 months of Geddes' four-year term as one of three fire commissioners in Saratoga. Geddes left his seat when he went to work for a church in Hawaii.

Moyles said that he planned to help in wrapping up the work connected with the new fire station in the city. "I look forward to helping the fire district [get] back on its feet financially," he said. It is the job of fire commissioners to oversee the fire district and give directions to the fire chief.

Assistant Fire Chief Ron Vega said that commissioners also decide policy issues.

In the next few months, the Saratoga Fire District will make a decision about a functional merger with the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

"I want to listen and learn and figure out what needs to be done. I have lived here a long time. I am an attorney. Maybe I can be useful," Moyles said.

Moyles has lived in Saratoga for 56 years.