MORE: Liberty Twp. fire levy timing divides trustees
Of the 19 applicants, only two were internal candidates. Those two are not being granted interviews.
Trustees interviewed:
- Keith Knisley, a battalion chief from Huber Heights
- Nicholas Hosford, Kettering's assistant chief of administration
- Cameron Haller, the deputy chief of the Sidney Fire Department
Trustee Tom Farrell said first interviews are usually uncomfortable affairs, so for the second round they will likely take a more casual, situational approach, to gauge how well each of the men mesh with the township.
“This was more of structured, standard interview, what we’d like to see is how they handle the press, for instance. Give them a scenario and have them respond,” Farrell said. “Maybe do a little presentation on something they are passionate about in the fire department, so we can get a better idea of how they handle presentations and their comfort zone.”
RELATED: Liberty Twp. fire department rallies to help one of its own
The trustees want the new chief to spend some time with Stumpf, who has been with the fire department for 45 years. Board President Christine Matacic agreed they need another chance to talk with the men, because not everyone interviews well the first time.
“The first interview that you have with somebody sometimes they don’t come across as well,” Matacic said. “And other times they come across too well, so I’m looking forward to a second interview to see what’s what.”
When asked if he wants the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association — that group screened the candidates for the township — to send any more candidates, Trustee Steve Schramm replied “at this point no.”
Stumpf told the trustees last September he intended to retire and gave them a year’s notice. He has served as fire chief since 1985. He spent nine years at the helm of the volunteer department until 1994 when the department shifted from a volunteer department to a full-time fire department.
About the Author