Commissioner of Fire

Appointment/Removal

The commissioner of fire shall be the head of the department of fire. The commissioner of fire shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council, and shall be removable at the pleasure of the mayor. On the removal without cause of a commissioner of fire, who at the time of his or her appointment as commissioner of fire was a member of the department of fire, he or she shall be restored at his or her request to the rank and duty held at the time of appointment. In the event of the death of the commissioner of fire, or a vacancy in that office for any other cause whatsoever, the mayor shall appoint a commissioner of fire to serve for a period not to exceed one hundred and eighty days, which temporary appointment shall not be subject to confirmation by the council.

Distinguishing Features

• Head of the Department of Fire.

• Oversees all operations and personnel within the department.

• Reports to the Mayor.

• Appointed by the Mayor, subject to Council confirmation.

• Removable at the pleasure of the Mayor.

• If removed without cause and previously a department member, may be restored to prior rank/duty.

• Temporary appointments (up to 180 days) may be made by the Mayor without Council confirmation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least five years of experience in fire prevention, firefighting, or fire investigation;

  OR

• Equivalent combination of training and experience demonstrating ability to perform the duties of the position.