Crescent City council appoints retired Chief Bill Gillespie as interim fire chief
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Summary
The Crescent City Council unanimously approved two resolutions to hire retired Chief Bill Gillespie as interim fire chief and to amend FY2025-26 position control; Chief Carey will leave Dec. 26 and Gillespie starts Dec. 29. Council named an ad hoc member to help with recruitment.
The Crescent City Council voted unanimously to appoint retired Chief Bill Gillespie to the retired‑annuitant position of interim fire chief and to approve a companion position‑control amendment. The votes implemented two resolutions the council adopted on the same motion.
City Manager said the move follows Chief Carey’s resignation and characterized it as a transitional step to maintain continuity while the city and fire district recruit a permanent chief. “The department went from a class 4 ISO rating to a class 2,” the manager said, citing a major department improvement achieved during recent leadership tenures.
Chief Carey, speaking via Zoom, thanked council members, staff and volunteers and described leaving as “the greatest honor of my career.” He said he had discussed the handoff with Gillespie and praised Gillespie’s willingness to return. Chief Gillespie told the council he was “definitely honored to be asked to come back” and said he looked forward to working with city staff, the district and the community.
City Manager gave transition dates: Chief Carey’s final date will be Dec. 26 and Chief Gillespie’s first day will be Dec. 29. The manager said battalion chiefs and career captains will cover shifts during the short transition and that the department and the district share funding for the chief position.
Council discussion also addressed the next recruitment steps. Council members agreed to appoint one council member to serve as an ad hoc representative on the recruitment team, naming Council member Altman as the primary ad hoc member with Steve Shamlin as the alternate.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the motions adopting Resolution No. 2025‑57 (appointing Bill Gillespie as retired annuitant interim fire chief) and Resolution No. 2025‑58 (amending FY2025‑26 position control) by unanimous roll call among the four members present: Council member Altman — yes; Council member Greeno — yes; Council member Chamblin — yes; Mayor Wright — yes.
The council moved to closed session after the vote to confer on labor negotiations. The interim appointment takes effect Dec. 29 while a permanent recruitment proceeds.
