— by Lin McNulty —

In a surprise, perhaps hesitant, move the Board of Fire Commissioners at their meeting on Monday passed a motion to continue the search for a new Fire Chief for another month. Or six months. Or till the end of the year. “What we need administratively,” said Commissioner Jim Coffin, “might inform what we want in a chief. Budget-wise we are not hurting.”

Commissioners Barbara Bedell and Jim Coffin were in attendance at the meeting, with Wes Heinmiller present via teleconference, along with District Financial Officer Mark Horaski.

Ten new recruits were on hand to receive the Oath of Service after recently completing their  fire training.

In another motion, the two previous Fire Chiefs, Kevin O’Brien who left the department in April of 2015, and Mik Preysz who resigned in April 2016, were removed as signers on the Fire Department bank accounts.

Acting Assistant Chief Chad Kimple outlined items that are to be listed as “surplus,” and put up for sale. Among the items are four 20-foot ground ladders at $300 each and a 1978 water tender valued at $2,000, which will soon go out for bid, with the bids available for award at the June meeting.

The meeting concluded with an Executive Session of the Board to review the performance of a public employee.

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