Huntingburg considering combining fire chief and safety director positions

Since its inception, the Huntingburg Volunteer Fire Department has had a part-time position for the fire chief.

At Tuesday’s Huntingburg Common Council meeting, Mayor Steve Schwinghamer told the council he would like to create a full-time position for the fire chief and combine it with the safety director’s duties.

“The need for a full-time chief has become more and more evident,” he told the council.

He mentioned that discussions with other public fire departments support the move to a full-time chief. In light of the increased number of responsibilities the fire chief position has had to take on, Schwinghamer stated, it was no longer a part-time position.

This is more about being proactive in our community, not just reactive,” Schwinghamer said. “There’s so much more our department can accomplish with someone that is there to educate our business, our citizens, and our youth as well.”

An individual filling the duties as fire chief also has to hold a safety officer rating which according to Schwinghamer is a great connection to taking on the duties as the city’s safety director.

“The fire chief/safety director will have more than enough time for training, education and making sure we have the safest community possible,” the mayor said.

Councilman Glen Kissling, who has previously served as the city’s fire chief, agreed with the mayor. He mentioned that the administrative and training requirements on top of the duties responding to fires is more demanding than when he was chief. “It takes a lot of your work day,” he said.

Councilman Steve McPherron stated he feels like it is a good fit for the city. “Fire and safety go hand in hand and I do think there is a lot asked of our volunteer fire chief,” he said. “I think this is a transition that is happening in cities our size across the state.”

Councilman Tim Wehr said he would like to table the discussion to take more time to consider and research creating a position.

The council agreed to table the discussion with plans to take it up at the next meeting.