There seems to be misinformation being shared publicly. This is being written to clarify actions in part.
At our recent district board meeting with four board members present, who bring over 100 years combined volunteer/board experience, spoke on various topics. The four board members present thanked our current Interim Chief Michael Greer. He has our full support in the decisions that he has made in an effort to making and bettering this department. It is unfortunate that less than a handful of volunteers chose to challenge the system.
The fire department is a critical infrastructure of this town and any community for that matter. As stated partly in public meetings, numerous pages of issues including insubordination, perhaps even intentional insubordination and refusing to communicate, refusal to meet and cooperate when requested, are some of the items. This problem is potentially detrimental to any organization.
Furthermore, those who acknowledge and/or are hiding behind social media, sharing incorrect information, or other sources in trying to undermine the structure of the department or its members, and effecting good volunteers of the department, is both unprofessional and demeaning to the professional and ethical standards in the fire and medical field. Resolution and action were needed. Yes, now we have written and implemented more policies and procedures and guidelines, and will write more to address these types of issues.
Greer has done an outstanding job in moving forward. He has not allowed these individuals from hampering progress whom are not letting go of past events or maybe have personal agendas. These are the same individuals that walked out prior. Though this has slowed down those efforts moving forward and has been time consuming, it will not detour the positive progress that is being made.
At a recent 28-hour training event, it was evident of his efforts. As I/we saw firsthand, comradery, laughter was again part of the organization. Connectivity is the forefront of any organization. Our Fire and EMT’s are dedicated to the district. You can count on that. You can also count on the District Board in supporting the Volunteers!
NEW CHIEF HIRE UPDATE:
We received 32 applications from highly qualified fire chiefs from across the US and internationally. After careful review of applicants and numerous in person interviews, we are moving on as planned and on schedule.
After an exhaustive multistage process, the hiring committee, consisting of two board members, two volunteer officers and the chief, unanimously selected and presented a recommendation for permanent Fire Chief to the full board. Candidate Dave Lave Lane of Nevada was chosen.
The District board then also unanimously agreed to hire Lane and have offered the position which has been accepted. Lane’s qualifications are unwavering and will be a great attribute to the department in following with our current mission statement and in continuing with forward efforts and restructuring that Greer initiated.
Lane is also a paramedic with 30 years of emergency service and a training instructor. He will start April 16.
We are fortunate to have an interim chief in place at the current time. This will provide for a smooth transition and transfer of medical licenses. Greer and Lane will overlap for approximately six weeks in duties and in review of all operational and administrative aspects of the department. Greer will transition out June 1 with Lane taking command.
I will keep you up-to-date as we proceed forward.
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