PORT TOWNSEND — East Jefferson Fire Rescue is taking a second shot at hiring a new fire chief, and is again asking the public to come out and meet their candidates.
The fire board of commissioners is extending an invitation to the community to attend a social hour at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 to meet the five candidates for the top position in Jefferson County’s largest fire protection district.
The meeting will be at the Henry Miller Station, 35 Critter Lane, Port Townsend.
This is the second time the district has introduced a group of finalists to the public.
In May, four candidates were brought up for interviews but none were offered the position by the board of commissioners.
The district has released the names of the new applicants but is waiting until the community meet and greet to say any more about them.
The final five are Charles Tandy, of Washington, Utah; Merlin Halvorson, of Sultan; Andrew Hall, of Redmond; Brian McMahan, of Everett, and Paul Stewart, of Silverdale.
Keppie Keplinger, spokeswoman for the district, said the candidates will introduce themselves, answer questions meet individually with those in attendance.
“It will be mostly the same,” as the last introduction of finalists to the public, Keplinger said.
“This time, we’re going to have comment cards for the public and the candidates will have name tags.
“This will allow people to give their feedback and observations.”
Interviews
After the community session, the candidates will take part in a full day of interviews from members of local law enforcement, Jefferson County, the city of Port Townsend, and fire district staff members.
No deadline for the decision has been set.
City Council member Laurie Medlicott, who will interview candidates, said she viewed the selection of the new chief as a priority, but would only recommend hiring one of the finalists if she finds the right person.
“It is critical to make the correct choice,” she said.
“This needs to be a very thoughtful decision.
“Public safety is my highest concern and the people of this community deserve to have the upmost confidence in the fire department.”
The district ¬– which serves Port Townsend, Cape George, Chimacum, Irondale, Kala Point, Marrowstone Island and Port Hadlock — has been without a permanent head since former Chief Mike Mingee left in January for a position as Chief of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District in Santa Barbara County, Calif.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue’s Assistant Chief Chuck Boggs became interim Fire Chief in January and has served in the top position since.
Boggs, a 38 year veteran of the fire service in Jefferson County, will resume his duties as assistant chief of support services when a new chief is hired.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@ peninsuladailynews.com
