Hire new fire chief from within

The recent announcement from Fire Chief Weber that he will be retiring in the fall gives rise to the question, “Who will replace him?”  Do we promote from within the ranks of the fire department or do we seek a candidate from outside the department?  We hope the Police and Fire Commission decides to promote from within. 

Commissioner Garcia’s remarks in a response to Chief Weber’s announcement were appropriate.  He expressed a certain displeasure with the fact that the chief has served such a short tenure and that the time, money and effort that went into his selection will have to be repeated so soon.  Our advice to the commission is not to repeat the selection process used in the past. 

Look within the department first to see if people here in Kenosha are qualified for the job.  Do not limit eligibility to only high-ranking members of the department.  Allow those with a rank of lieutenant or higher to apply.  We guarantee you will discover a substantial pool of people with talent and qualifications for the job. 

We encourage you to ask the city personnel department to conduct your testing process.  They know how to do it and they will save the taxpayers $30,000. 

History shows us that when the fire or police chief’s position is filled from within the respective departments, the chiefs tend to stay in their jobs for a longer period of time.  Seven to 10 years is not uncommon.  Moreover, then tend to be very good at their jobs.  Chiefs hired from outside the department tend to be in their positions for less than four years. 

Local candidates have roots in our community.  Their families live here.  Their friends live here.  These are the very reasons Chief Weber is leaving.  He misses his family. 

The Kenosha Fire Department has dedicated, capable and qualified candidates within its ranks.  We urge the Police and Fire Commission to consider these candidates first.

Richard Bosanko, retired battalion chief
John Celebre, retired assistant fire chief
Micahel Marifern, retired assistant fire chief

Taken in its entirety from the Kenosha News Voice of the People - June 11, 2006