Members of the Haines Volunteer Fire Department elected a new chief Monday, with 17-year department veteran Greg Palmieri stepping up to fill the position vacated by Scott Bradford, who served as chief the past 18 years.
Bradford said he did not run for fire chief again because he couldn’t continue putting in the required time and energy, especially since buying a local furniture business with his wife five years ago.
“Eighteen years is enough,” Bradford said. “I think it’s healthy for new blood to step up and fill the positions from time to time.”
June will mark Bradford’s 30-year anniversary with the department. Though he won’t be chief, he said he will stay on as a volunteer in an incident-command role.
Also at Monday’s elections, Darwin Feakes was elected to replace Chuck Mitman as assistant chief. Vince Hansen was elected to replace Thom Andriesen as treasurer, and Suzanne Vuillet-Smith won the vote to replace Hansen as secretary.
Terms are for one year.
Palmieri has volunteered with the department for 14 years and has been a wildland firefighter since 1989. He said he was hesitant to throw his hat in for chief, but said others in the department encouraged him to run.
“I think the people in our organization come together and really work hard because they are dedicated to public service. Their support of me is what finally made me decide to be nominated, and of course they supported me in the vote,” Palmieri said.
The chief job carries many responsibilities. According to Haines Borough code, the chief prepares the department’s annual budget, service contracts and other agreements. He or she is also the “general executive officer” of all firefighting equipment and property, and “shall drill, direct and discipline all persons who participate in the control of fires.”
The chief makes $6,000 a year.
“The chief carried the burden on his shoulders. He put in his time,” Palmieri said of Bradford. “It is a challenge, and that is one of my greatest challenges moving forward is creating a management team that doesn’t overwhelm any one individual.”
The department currently has about 40 volunteers.
New company officers – EMS, fire, and engine captains and lieutenants – will be elected at the department’s joint meeting on Dec. 14.
According to code, the borough manager must approve or reject the chief election results. If rejected, the department has 30 days to elect a new chief.
Pending approval, Palmieri will start as chief on Jan. 11.