FIRE CHIEF: Full-time leader ‘big step’ for city and fire department

puts the strain on our fire officers, especially the fire chief.”

The subcommittee also heard of the importance to establish a “farm system” and hire a chief from within. The farm system would have pathways for firefighters to enter into leadership positions, and hiring from within would allow for the department to retain its culture it has worked so hard to create.

“The fire department has come a long way and a lot of people are proud of how that department operates, including myself, and we don’t want that culture to change,” Bear explained.

Weidt said he was comfortable with moving forward with a full-time chief.

“It is a big step for the city, it’s a big step for the fire department,” he said. “We have a great fire department right now. I think they do a great job in our community and I want to keep it that way and make sure that the firefighters who come in have a path to grow and prosper within the fire department