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Otsego chiefs introduce new chief, report hires and equipment work; commission approves vehicle sale to fund mini pumper
Summary
Fire chiefs told the Public Safety Commission about station punch-list items, hiring progress for part-time and captain roles, equipment procurements and an inspection of new engines; the commission voted 5-0 to pursue selling an urban interface truck and buying a mini pumper to better meet community needs.
The Otsego Public Safety Commission heard an update on June 9 from Fire Chief Mike Scott and newly appointed Fire Chief Jim McCoy on staffing and equipment as the city brings a new fire department online.
Chiefs reported the City has 28 candidates for part-time firefighter positions, 27 of whom are Otsego residents; the commission has authorized 20 part-time positions. Offers were made to two candidates for full-time fire captain positions, with a third captain position to be filled later. The city has authorized a part-time Fire Marshal position and hiring for that role is underway. The chiefs said a quote for the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) will be forwarded to the City Council for review and that research is underway on Motorola portable radios.
Chiefs also described an inspection of the new fire engines at the Pierce factory that produced a punch list of items to be resolved before the vehicles are accepted. They asked the commission for input on selling the urban interface truck and using proceeds to buy a mini pumper that would better serve community needs and help offset equipment costs for new personnel. Commissioner Gregory Hubbard moved to pursue the sale of the urban interface truck and the purchase of a mini pumper; Commissioner Judy Sibert seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
Commissioners discussed the potential financial benefit of the sale and directed staff to proceed with the process. The chiefs indicated ongoing coordination with the contractor to address punch-list items for the new fire station. No purchase contracts or final dollar amounts were approved at the meeting; equipment quotes and procurement recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for formal action.
