City Manager to Reopen Search for Fire Chief
Acting Chief Dave Ferber to Continue in Leadership Role
City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced today that she will reopen the search for the position of Fire Chief. The City will accept applications from new candidates beginning on May 12 until the position is filled. After exhausting two applicant pools, the City continues to seek the ideal candidate who meets the full breadth of education, experience and management characteristics to successfully lead the Champaign Fire Department.
“I began this process by seeking extensive input from Fire Department personnel and community stakeholders on the ideal characteristics for our next Chief. While a number of applicants met some of what we were looking for, few possessed the full combination of skills and traits that we have deemed essential in the next leader of our Fire Department,” said David. “Our diverse, progressive community deserves a leader who can take our Fire Department to the next level of excellence. In this most recent applicant pool, there were some candidates that we were very interested in; however, they unfortunately withdrew their candidacy for personal reasons.”
The City’s Executive recruitment process is extremely thorough, involving an advisory committee comprised of employees from the Fire Department, other City officials, community members, and representatives from public safety agencies throughout Champaign County. In November, the City Manager reiterated her commitment to continue the search until the City finds the right candidate for the job. “I have complete confidence in the professionalism of the Champaign Fire Department and Acting Chief Ferber’s ability to lead us through this transition. The citizens of Champaign will continue to be well served and protected during this time,” said David.