A. The chief of the fire department and an assistant fire chief from each fire station shall be selected and assigned by the city administrator, subject to confirmation by the council. The fire chief and assistant fire chiefs shall be selected from among applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. Applicants will be tested, interviewed and rated by a selection panel of seven (7) members, four (4) of whom shall be city firefighters. The city firefighters on the panel shall be selected by the membership of the fire department.
B. In the case of the fire chief, the city administrator shall interview the finalists recommended by the selection panel. The city administrator may require the applicants to undergo further testing to ascertain their suitability for assignment to the position. The city administrator shall make his/her selection as to the candidate deemed to be most qualified for assignment as fire chief and submit the recommendation to the council for confirmation.
C. In the case of the assistant fire chiefs, the fire chief shall interview the finalists recommended by the selection panel. The fire chief shall submit his/her recommendation to the city administrator who shall forward it to the council for confirmation.
D. The term of assignment to the position of fire chief or assistant fire chief shall be for three (3) years; provided, however, any person holding such positions may again be so assigned to such positions by the council.
E. The fire chief and assistant fire chiefs may be removed from their positions by the council, with or without cause, after first being given an opportunity to be heard by the city council. (Ord. 1118, 6-20-2005)