Board approves up to $13,000 to hire recruitment firm for fire chief search

The Village of Salem Lakes board on July 21 authorized payment not to exceed $13,000 to Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) to assist the fire commission with recruiting and filling the village’s open fire chief position. Jess Wilds of Innovative Public Advisors presented the firm’s scope: a position assessment with the fire commission, a position announcement and custom recruitment materials, active outreach (job boards, associations, LinkedIn), preliminary screening and coordination of interviews including community tours. Wilds said IPA would partner with a fire‑EMS adviser, Paul Stevens, to bring sector expertise. Fire Chief Al (introduced at the meeting) described his planned retirement and said a short transition period is desired to ensure coverage and a considered search. The board discussed prior experience with recruiting consultants for the village administrator search and noted that staff does not have bandwidth or specialized recruitment expertise for an executive search. Trustee made a motion to fund IPA not to exceed $13,000; the motion passed by voice vote. The board clarified that IPA will work with the fire commission and village staff as liaisons; the fire commission will conduct interviews and hold final hiring authority. Wilds said IPA would adjust the timeline and begin a kickoff as soon as the commission and firm coordinate. Why it matters: the role is central to public safety operations and the commission sought professional assistance to reach qualified candidates statewide; the board is funding the recruitment but will not make the hiring decision. Next steps: IPA will finalize the timeline, post the position, conduct outreach and present vetted candidates to the fire commission for interview and selection. Background checks and references will be coordinated with the police department or a vendor identified by the commission.