Ripon Area Fire District Will Hire Chief

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The Ripon Area Fire District Board this week approved going forward with posting for a part-time fire chief. The job description is still being finalized and will be approved for the posting at a future board meeting.

During their meeting this week the board discussed whether they should hire a full or part-time chief. Board President Ellen Sorensen told the board they could not afford to hire a full-time chief this year because the money isn’t in the budget, but they could hire someone after July 1^st.

That kicked off a discussion about hiring a part-time chief. Sorensen said they do need a professional chief that can move the department forward. She did not feel that was being accomplished with interim chiefs and paying McMahon and Associates to provide consulting services.

Board members also felt having a full-time chief working five days a week for 40 hours would not help with the on-call situation in responding to rescues and fire calls. Sorensen also noted having a full-time chief in the past hasn’t worked for the district.