Harris appoints new fire chief

Change in leadership prompts six firefighters to resign

HARRIS – There’s a new fire chief in Harris, but not everyone agrees about it.
In anticipation of the appointment of Trevor Williams, six firefighters resigned on Monday night, Feb. 6.
Among them are Will Lacina, Wes Lacina, Tim Cropper, Doug Chaffee, John Pelant and Chris Stoeckel.
Chaffee warned the city council to expect more resignations. “You’re losing some of the most experienced firefighters and first responders,” he added.
COUNCIL DISAGREES WITH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
In January, the fire department voted to re-elect Will Lacina as fire chief on a 23 to seven vote.
Later that month at the city council meeting, council member Kathy Olson made a motion to appoint Trevor Williams instead. After John Pelant made a motion to appoint Lacina, the city council agreed to look at the issue again in February.
According to city treasurer Marlys Belfany, she spoke to both Williams and Lacina via phone and informed them the city council would be interviewing both during the February meeting. However, council member John Pelant objected that an official letter was not sent out to both the candidates.
“I think the council screwed up on this one,” said Pelant.
Lacina did not attend Monday night’s meeting.
Pelant stressed that the council should go with the fire department’s recommendation for chief. “People in the fire department should know who the chief should be,” he said. They base it on experience and knowledge, he noted.
INTERVIEW
During the interview conducted on Feb. 6, Williams was asked about his leadership skills, knowledge of fire department procedures and structure, and training.
Williams said that he graduated from high school in 1988. In 1989, he began working as a first responder. He was a member of two fire departments for a total of 10 and one-half years before joining the Harris department in 2006.
Citizen comment
Speaking during the citizens’ comment period, Doris Gilquist pushed the council to continue with the existing leadership. Later, she added Will Lacina hadn’t shown up at the council meeting because he felt that the council didn’t respect him or need him.
“Trevor’s a good firefighter,” said Tim Cropper. “He’s a follower, not a leader.”
Mayor Diane Miller stated that she respects Lacina’s right to resign. As it appeared the city had only one applicant for chief, she looked for direction from the council.
“We have to move forward,” said council member Judy Hammerstrom.
Olson made the motion to appoint Williams as chief. The vote was three in favor with two abstentions (Pelant and Larson).
Williams will be on a six-month probation.