City searches for new fire chief

MADISON – The City of Madison has started its search for a new chief for Madison Fire and Rescue Department.

At its Nov. 28 meeting, Madison City Council formally accepted the retirement of former fire chief Ralph Cobb. On April 15, then mayor Troy Trulock placed Cobb on administrative leave because of a complaint claiming age discrimination in the class, “Generational Differences,” that Cobb taught in early 2016.

Candidates for Madison fire chief must satisfy several requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration or related field.
* Five years minimum experience in fire department management, including policy development, budgeting, personnel, operations evaluation and public relations.
* Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
* Supplemental training, such as National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and Alabama Fire College.

The salary ranges from $85,000 to $110,000 annually.

Madison’s Fire Chief is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the organization, financial management, general administration and efficient operation of the department. The chief also keeps losses of property and lives at a minimum during natural disasters in Madison.

Madison’s fire chief serves as “principal advisor to the Mayor and City Council on issues of fire department operations and serves as their principal representative to the public and other agencies on issues of department operations,” the announcement states.

The mayor holds direct supervision of the fire chief in Madison. City Council appoints the fire chief. The Fire Chief must establish residency in Madison with six months of appointment.

The candidate must be skilled in hiring, training, appraising, counseling, disciplining and separating personnel. The chief must maintain staff motivation and manage relationships between subordinates and each other.

Concerning physical capabilities, the Fire Chief must move swiftly in emergency situations, climb, lift heavy objects and walk over rough surfaces and terrain.

Good vision is necessary for reading in minimal light at emergency scenes. The chief must communicate instructions to others in emergency situations when timing is critical.

Candidates must apply online. Visit www.madisonal.gov and select “Job Openings” in the left pane.