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Otsego commission introduces Fire Chief Jim McCoy, backs staffing, station and staffing-policy moves
Summary
At its May 14 meeting the Otsego Public Safety Commission introduced Fire Chief Jim McCoy, heard a staffing update citing 70+ part‑time firefighter applicants (37 Otsego residents) and approved motions to recommend a part‑time fire marshal to City Council, move meetings to the new station, and resell an antique hose cart.
Otsego — The Otsego Public Safety Commission on May 14 introduced Fire Chief Jim McCoy and approved a series of staffing and operational steps for the fire department, including a recommendation to the City Council to consider hiring a part‑time fire marshal and moving future commission meetings to the new fire station.
Interim Fire Chief Mike Scott introduced Chief Jim McCoy and summarized department staffing plans. Scott reported the department received more than 70 applications for part‑time firefighter positions, 37 of which were from Otsego residents, and said the department plans to interview nine candidates for full‑time captain roles.
The commission voted 5‑0 to send a recommendation to the City Council to review hiring a future part‑time fire marshal; the motion was moved by Commissioner Judy Sibert and seconded by Commissioner Dan Freiberg. Commissioners framed the recommendation as a request for the council to evaluate the role and potential need, not as a hiring order.
Commissioners also voted unanimously to change the regular meeting location to the new fire station beginning in June 2026. Commissioner Gregory Hubbard moved the change and Commissioner Dan Freiberg seconded.
The commission discussed equipment and facilities. Interim Chief Scott provided an update on Pierce Fire Apparatus items for the department; the minutes do not provide technical details. Commissioners expressed concern about an antique fire hose cart purchased by a former chief, noting it would not fit well in the new station and has no documented historical or sentimental value to the department. Commissioner Dan Freiberg moved and Commissioner Gregory Hubbard seconded a motion to have the city resell the antique fire hose cart in the next city surplus bid; the motion passed 5‑0.
Scott also outlined a training timeline for fire cadets, saying training would begin in July and run through November. The minutes describe cadets as individuals new to the fire service who will require additional, foundational training distinct from recruits with prior fire experience.
The actions taken at the meeting were procedural and advisory in nature: the recommendation on a part‑time fire marshal is a request to the City Council to review the role, the meeting‑location vote changes where the commission will hold its meetings, and the resale motion directs the city to offer the antique cart in the next surplus bid. The commission approved the agenda and the April 14, 2026 minutes at the start of the meeting, both by unanimous votes. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Details from the commission's minutes indicate follow‑up steps will include City Council review of the fire marshal recommendation and continued staffing interviews; no hiring decisions or City Council responses were recorded in these minutes.
