The Board of Fire Commissioners has announced a contract agreement with Steve Brooks, who has served as division chief for the department since 2005. Brooks agreed to a 2-year contract with the district and will make $126,000 in 2012, said fire commission chair Gene Dobry.
Brooks beat out four other finalists and will assume the chief position Jan. 1.
“It became clear, that as we narrowed down the candidates ... at least in our mind it became apparent that Steve stood out among them,” Dobry said.
The board and several panels interviewed candidates with more experience than Brooks, but his enthusiasm and knowledge of the department put him over the top, Dobry said.
Brooks, 39, said he is humbled by the selection and his background with the departments positions him well to navigate the district in the coming years.
“It’s an honor to be chosen,” he said.
Gary Pearson, who served as acting interim fire chief since Jim Broman retired earlier this year, will return to an assistant chief position.
One challenge Brooks will have to navigate is a district coming off a tough defeat this November. A proposition to raise property tax rates was defeated; passage would have generated about $1.5 million in additional revenue during a six-year levy.
There are no personnel cuts budgeted for 2012, but the district will look at reducing its engine crew to two people, which has already been done on occasion, Dobry said.
“By the proposition failing, that just means we’re going to have to get creative beyond 2012,” he said.
Brooks said the district’s goal should be to create a sustainable service model that avoids layoffs.
“We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to weather the current economy to not do that,” he said.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476 nhulings@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/outsideoly
