By Bart Mills
The Lima News
Copyright 2007 The Lima News
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
 
AMERICAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — American Township has decided who they want for their first fire chief. Now they just need a fire department to go with him.

Trustees have selected Elida Community Fire Co. Capt. Thomas Hadding to be chief of the township's new fire department. Keith Brickner, a one-time captain and current firefighter with the Elida company, was selected as assistant fire chief.

The jobs aren't a sure thing yet. Trustees will begin negotiations with the two men in the next few days, said Trustee Paul Bassinger.

"Our intent is to have both these individuals on board by June 1," Bassinger said.

The two were selected from nine applicants for the top spot. A committee, made up of township officials and residents, narrowed the field and recommended Hadding and Brickner to the trustees. Applications came in from around the state, but the committee decided to go with local talent.

"This eliminates any possibility of finding someone who looks good on paper but doesn't work out," Bassinger said.

Current Elida Community Fire Co. Fire Chief Lanny Bailey did not apply for the new post.

The selection puts the township one step closer to its goal of having a fire department up and running by July 1. The township's 60-year contract with the Elida company expires June 30.

Trustee Ron Bible said he has received calls from residents afraid they would not have fire or emergency medical service once the Elida contract expires. Trustees have said they will provide the same service without a break.

"Services will not be disrupted. They will be the same," Bible said.

The next step for the trustees will be hiring a staff. All of the current Elida company staff, from the assistant chief on down, have applied to join the new department. Bassinger said they will move on those hirings in the next couple of weeks.

"I will assure you that by June 12, our entire roster will be complete," he said.

Just two weeks ago the trustees voted to end their relationship with the Elida company and start their own department. They've set a goal of July 1 for the kickoff of services.

The Elida Community Fire Co. is a private company funded largely through American Township tax dollars. Both sides continue to spar over ownership of the department's equipment and whether the company will continue to provide fire service for Marion, Sugar Creek and Amanda townships. Trustees have yet to decide if they will stay with the Elida Community Fire Co. or contract with the new American Township department.