By Ann Marie Bush
The Capital-Journal
TOPEKA, Kan. — When Greg Bailey started his career with the Topeka Fire Department in 1985, he thought he might like to serve as chief some day.
Interim city manager Dan Stanley announced Thursday that Bailey will fill that position.
Bailey, who turned 50 on Jan. 4, has been interim fire chief since Dec. 24 when Allen Bradshaw retired. Prior to that, he had been fire marshal and department spokesman.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity,” Bailey said shortly after the announcement.
Stanley made the selection after considering candidates screened by an advisory committee and other individuals he thought would make a good fire chief, said city spokesman David Bevens.
Bailey didn’t apply for the position.
“We have many highly qualified individuals in the ranks of the Topeka Fire Department who would make a good fire chief,” Stanley said. “I chose Chief Bailey because I believe he is the one best able to lead the department. I am confident that under Chief Bailey’s leadership the department will continue to meet and exceed the superb standard of excellence achieved under Chief Bradshaw. I thank Chief Bailey for his willingness to serve — service is sacrifice.”
The executive board of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 83 expressed unhappiness with the selection process.
“While Local 83 congratulates Chief Bailey, it is surprised and disappointed in the process that resulted in the selection of a new fire chief,” the board said in a statement. “Eight highly qualified candidates were evaluated by a diverse committee of city leaders and fire service professionals who subjected these candidates to a vigorous and extensive review process that resulted in recommendations to the city manager.”
Local 83 said it is disappointed that Stanley “abandoned the process and unilaterally appointed someone who served on that committee and did not apply for the position.”
“The primary concern is the lack of transparency and fairness to the eight candidates who applied for the position and subjected themselves to the interview and selection process,” the local said.
Stanley responded by saying: “I established the process. However, I stated at the outset that I was reserving the right to accept or reject any of the candidates put forward as is consistent with my authority as the city manager.”
He also said Bailey was one of the two finalists during the previous selection of fire chief.
“I would note that there should be no one more qualified than the senior fire service professional chosen to serve on the selection panel,” Stanley said.
In March 2002, Bailey filed a civil suit against the fire department in U.S. District Court, claiming he suffered emotional distress and a loss of front and back pay benefits when he wasn’t promoted to chief of administration in January 2001.
That lawsuit was “resolved,” Bailey said Thursday without elaborating.
Bailey said he is aware there will be challenges ahead, but he is ready to work with firefighters and the community to overcome them.
“Together, we can have an awesome community,” he said. “I can’t do it alone.”
Bailey, who is married with three children, was born and raised in Smithville, Va. He played football at Wichita State University in 1980. In 1988, he tried out for the Dallas Cowboys.
Bailey called his parents in Virginia to tell them about the announcement.
He said he is happy his mother and father are able to share in the news.
Bailey began his career with the Topeka Fire Department on June 10, 1985, as a firefighter III.
He has had several positions, including advanced firefighter, apparatus operator, lieutenant, fire inspector, chief of community affairs and fire marshal.
Bailey has an associate’s degree in fire science from Kansas City Kansas Community College and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Friends University.
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve our department and the citizens of our community,” Bailey said.
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