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Cresco fire chief announces resignation; council swears in new chief and assistants
Summary
After announcing his resignation effective July 1, the outgoing Cresco fire chief recommended Charles Reichkes as fire chief; the council approved the recommendation and Reichkes and two assistants were sworn in.
Fire Chief Neil Staple Camp told the City Council on June 15 that he will step down July 1 after 21 years of service and recommended internal leadership continuity to ensure the department's stability.
In his update the chief reviewed recent and ongoing projects: a radio upgrade nearing completion, a tanker project funded largely by local fundraising (~$116,000 cited), and turnout gear purchases supported by firefighter fundraising (about $50,000). He also noted a $15,000 annual LOAP grant for firefighter support and flagged vehicle-replacement timelines (engine 326 projected to reach year 20 within seven to eight years).
He recommended Charles Reichkes as the new fire chief and named assistant chiefs. The council voted to approve the department's recommendation. Reichkes, Annette (first assistant chief) and Alexander Holm (second assistant chief) then took the oath of office. During the oath Reichkes recited the standard oath to support the U.S. and Iowa constitutions and to "faithfully and impartially" perform duties of the office.
The council thanked the outgoing chief for his service and asked staff to assist the department with equipment planning and the transition.
Next steps: staff and the fire commission will work with department leadership on equipment replacement planning and any necessary budget requests for apparatus replacement in coming years.
