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Council appoints Michael Wessels as interim fire chief for six-month evaluation
Summary
The council approved Deputy Chief Michael Wessels as Interim Fire Chief in a 4-0 vote, citing his long service since 2003, department modernization efforts, and a mutual six-month interim evaluation period.
Mayor Robert Noblin acknowledged the retirement of Fire Chief Cox, who served 60 years in fire service (14 years with the City of Belen, including three as chief), and presented Deputy Chief Michael Wessels as Interim Fire Chief. The mayor described the interim designation as deliberate to allow both the city and Wessels to evaluate fit before a permanent appointment and cited Wessels’ tenure beginning in April 2003 and department advances including expanded EMS capabilities and acquisition of new apparatus.
A motion to approve the appointment was made by Councilor Steven Holdman and seconded by Councilor Frank E. Ortega; the motion carried 4-0. Interim Chief Wessels thanked the council and confirmed the six-month interim period was a mutual evaluation and that he looks forward to work including remodeling Station 2 and updating standard operating procedures.
