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Montrose council accepts longtime firefighterretirement, approves reserve firefighter policy
Summary
The council accepted the retirement of firefighter Mike Markiten effective Sept. 13, 2024, and approved a new Policy 102f to create a reserve firefighter position that can respond to calls but is not eligible for PERA benefits.
The council voted to accept the retirement of firefighter Mike Markiten, effective Sept. 13, 2024. A fire-department representative told the council that "Mike joined us in August 1984. He served for 40 years in 1 month," and called his dedication "paramount".
Council also approved a new reserve firefighter policy (Policy 102f) designed to add ancillary personnel who can respond to medical calls and assist on scenes but would not be eligible for the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) plan as currently written. Staff said the role would allow people who cannot commit to full-time firefighting to serve, with training requirements tailored to each reserve member's duties. Council members asked about minimum response or training quotas; staff replied that training would be individualized and availability would be "as available" rather than guaranteed.
The retirement motion passed with the council recording "Motion passes 4 0 1"; the reserve-firefighter policy was presented as approved after council discussion. The fire department emphasized that reserve personnel could fill specialized roles (for example, medical-only responders) and that other agencieswhose staff live locallymight also serve in reserve capacities to improve coverage.
