Collaborative leader sought for fire chief

City Manager Jim Prosser said Tuesday he is looking for a new fire chief who is a “collaborative” leader with a strong background in firefighting, emergency management and the handling of hazardous materials.

Prosser and four others are interviewing seven candidates who are competing to take over as fire chief after the current chief, Steve Havlik, retires in March.

Interviews took place Tuesday and today. The seven candidates attended a public open house last night at Kirkwood Community College. Four of the seven candidates are from outside Iowa.

“I like the competition,” Prosser said. “I like that we have a strong local group of candidates and a group who are interested in moving to our community. Local knowledge is a big plus, but we're always looking for the best overall candidate. We're looking for the best fit.”

Prosser acknowledged he was aware of the last time City Hall picked a fire chief from outside the department. Brud Gorman, and the turmoil that followed until Havlik took over in 1998. He said the city's firefighters are being “very helpful” in providing input about their expectations and departmental needs.

Prosser appoints the fire chief, with the advice and consent of the council.

The three local candidates are Gregory Smith, battalion chief; Brian Giachino, district fire chief; and Mark English, assistant fire chief.

The other four are Scott Goodwin, division chief, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; Stephen Reid, a Washington consultant and past deputy chief of emergency medical services in Washington, D.C.; Carl Austerman, most recently was deputy fire chief, Glendale, Ariz.; and Paul Hewitt, combat battalion chief, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The interviews are with Prosser; Conni Huber, city human resources director; Police Chief Greg Graham; Matthew Widner, city code enforcement manager; and Davenport Fire Chief Mark Frese.