Details
02/16/2024
Fire Chief
City of Defiance
The City of Defiance is located in northwest Ohio, at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, 60 miles west of Toledo and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The population of the city is approximately 17,000 residents. The City of Defiance offers its residents and visitors a thriving beautiful downtown district with local shops and restaurants. The Maumee River, a state Scenic and Recreational River, runs through the City of Defiance and provides opportunities for fun and relaxation.
THE DEPARTMENT
On August 19, 1872, Defiance's elected officials approved an ordinance to organize the community's first fire company, Liberty Company Number 1, under the direction of Chief Engineer John F. Deatrick, Sr. and a handful of dedicated volunteers.
Fast forward 150 years and the Firefighters of the City of Defiance are still dedicated to saving lives and protecting property. The members of the Defiance Fire and Rescue Division provide fire prevention, fire suppression and respond to medical emergencies within the City of Defiance and Defiance Township. In addition, the Fire Division is contracted to provide emergency medical services (EMS) to Noble Township.
The department is currently staffed with 26 full-time and 3 part-time personnel that provides coverage in an area of 36 square miles and 60 square miles for EMS. The department responded to approximately 3,200 calls in 2023.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reports to and receives direction from the Defiance City Administrator, the Fire Chief oversees the administration, direction, and operations of the City Fire and Rescue Division including fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, codes, fire prevention activities, and emergency management and planning ensuring compliance with legislated codes and City charter and policies.
Other responsibilities of the Fire Chief include:
- Develops and implements strategic goals, objectives, polices, procedures, and guidelines.
- Prepares, administers, and monitors the division budget.
- Assists in developing and maintaining the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and supervise emergency management activities including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
- Develops short and long-range plans documenting manpower and equipment needs to accomplish division mission.
- Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to personnel in a manner that contributes to their motivation, morale, commitment, and contribution to the department.
- Responds to fire alarms and evaluates fire scene.
- Investigates causes of all fires and explosions.
- Promotes and facilitates positive public relations through presentations, public education, outreach programs, media opportunities, and participates in promotional and special events.
- Stay current with contemporary principles and practices for fire command, operations, administration, EMS trends, leadership, and other topics important to the operations of the fire department by attending training and conferences.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Defiance seeks an energetic, self-motivated individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster a strong team environment. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive set of administrative, personnel, finance, and budgetary skills.
Working with other City departments and community partners is critical to success. The selected candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical services, and emergency management. They will understand that just taking care of fire and emergency services is not enough – the new Fire Chief will work with the City Administrator to continually strive for the success of the entire department and City.
The chosen candidate will be a hands-on leader, who is fully engaged with the team and dedicated to achieving the department’s mission. The individual who leads the Fire Department must possess a high level of integrity and must operate in an open and fair manner. It is vital that the new Fire Chief will be visible and involved within the community, developing and promoting effective partnerships with other local, regional, and state agencies. The selected individual with have the interpersonal skills necessary to foster productive relationships with schools, organizations, and residents, providing education and guidance in the areas of emergency management and preparedness, fire prevention and safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree in fire science or equivalent.
- Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of diverse experience as a full-time firefighter, including three (3) years in a supervisory or administrative position.
- Additional years of experience may be substituted for an Associate’s degree with high school diploma.
- State of Ohio Fire Safety Inspector Certification
- Valid State of Ohio Fire Fighter II certificate.
- Ohio EMT B certification
- Possession of a valid State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license.
Preferred Qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration or equivalent, Ohio Paramedic certification and Fire Instructor certification.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $98,000. The entry rate is contingent upon candidate’s experience, qualifications, knowledge, and ability. The City of Defiance offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, direct care medical facility, and life insurance. Vacation, personal days, holiday pay, paid sick leave, and a take home vehicle are also included.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Qualified candidates need to submit a cover letter, resume, professional references and copies of certifications and degree to the City of Defiance, Human Resources Manager, 631 Perry Street, Defiance, OH 43512 or by email to llambert@cityofdefiance.com by 3:00 p.m. on March 15, 2024.
Selection process includes a review of all submitted materials, community panel interview, and assessment center. On-site interviews with the City of Defiance will be offered to those candidates named as finalists. Candidate will be required to complete a background check, a driver’s license review, physical and drug screening.
For more information or questions, please contact Human Resources Manager Lanie Lambert at llambert@cityofdefiance.com
