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City manager announces Fire/Rescue chief resignation; interim and search committee to be recommended
Summary
City Manager Klunder told the Personnel Committee that Fire Rescue Chief Ross Tibbets resigned effective Dec. 12, 2025 to accept a job in Holland Charter Township; Deputy Chief Mitch Harsevoort was asked to serve as interim and staff will ask the Dec. 1 City Council to appoint a search committee.
City Manager Klunder informed the Personnel Committee on Nov. 25 that Fire Rescue Chief Ross Tibbets submitted his resignation with a last day of Dec. 12, 2025 after accepting a chief position with the Holland Charter Township Fire Department. Klunder said the chief's appointment is made by the mayor with City Council approval and that staff asked Deputy Chief Mitch Harsevoort to step in as interim while the city searches for a replacement.
Klunder said he is working with Mayor-Elect VanDorp to form a search committee and hopes to have the committee appointment considered at the Dec. 1, 2025 City Council meeting. Potential members listed by staff include Mayor-Elect VanDorp, City Manager Klunder, Deputy Chief Harsevoort (who would recuse himself if he chose to pursue the permanent post), Police Chief Tim Jungel, HR Specialist Melanie Hellenthal and possibly one city council member. Klunder said at the second round of interviews staff may invite a fire fighter from an outside department and meet with current City of Zeeland Fire/Rescue staff.
Boerman asked whether the position is posted internally; Klunder said the city typically posts a vacancy internally for a few days before posting externally. No formal council action on the search committee was taken at the Personnel Committee meeting; Klunder said the proposed appointments will be brought to the Dec. 1 City Council meeting for action.
