Peggy Schenk, Register Staff 04/03/2005
GUILFORD — The Board of Selectmen is recommending that the fire chief and assistant chief of operations-deputy fire marshal be appointed by the Fire Commission, rather than elected by the department membership.
"It only seems appropriate not to have a volunteer chief over paid personnel," said First Selectmen Gene Bishop.
Selectmen met last week to finalize their recommendations on town charter revisions.
The chief and assistant chief of operations are elected by volunteers.
The department is a combination of paid and volunteer firefighters. Having the paid staff members report to a volunteer chief "is not good," Fire Commission member Ken Wilson said during a public hearing last month on proposed charter changes.
Volunteers, who make up the bulk of the department’s membership, will report to a chief of volunteers, who is elected every three years.
The recommended changes are part of the department’s strategic plan, drafted by Chief Charles Herrschaft, as well as an independent study prepared by a Massachusetts consulting firm, MMA.
An assistant chief of volunteer administration and other officers of the Fire Department would be elected at the annual Fire Department meeting and serve three-year terms. Also proposed is an increase in the number of fire commissioners from three to five.
The Charter Revision Commission has 30 days to present a final draft to the Board of Selectmen.
If the board agrees with the proposed changes, residents will vote on them during the regular elections Nov. 8.
Peggy Schenk can be reached at pschenk@nhregister.comor (860) 664-4118.
İNew Haven Register 2005