The Hoodland Fire District (HFD) will restart its search for a Deputy Fire Chief
after only two candidates submitted applications for the position in the initial
search. The district needed at least five applicants to continue with the hiring
process.

HFD Fire Chief John Ingrao noted the timing of the first search, which ran
from Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 through Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, coincided with the
beginning of the busy holiday season. He added that the search opened at
that time because of the support the community showed in the May 2019 levy
to fund the Deputy Chief position, which was approved by voters, by a margin
of 69.6 percent to 30.4 percent.

“It was paramount to do due diligence and to get the process started,” said
Ingrao, who hopes to retire with the idea that the new Deputy Chief would
then become the new Fire Chief.

The new search will open on Monday, Jan. 6 and run through Friday, Feb. 28,
a total of eight weeks. Ingrao added that this time will be no set minimum
number of applicants to move on to a review stage.

“In essence, if we have the same two people apply, we can review the
applications,” he said. “It gives us a much broader ability to get applicants for
the process.”

Ingrao added that a change in the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS) will be implemented on Jan. 1, 2020 after the passage of Oregon
Senate Bill 1049, allowing retired employees a chance to work full time while
also receiving a pension. He noted that could allow a wider pool of candidates
to apply for the position.

In addition, the new search will also relax residency requirements for the new
Deputy Chief, allowing the successful candidate to reside within 20 minutes
the district instead of needing to reside in-district. Ingrao noted this was done
due to the shortage of housing opportunities on the Mountain.

After the application process, candidates are expected to be brought in for an
interview process that will include interviews in front of two panels
(administrative and fire service) and a physical agility test. The top three
candidates from the interviews will move on to another interview with Ingrao.
The final candidate is also expected to pass various other tests, including
medical, physical and psychological, as well as a background check.

The Deputy Chief position will result in 24-hour command coverage for the
district and allow for faster response when multiple calls occur.

Applications are available through the district’s website at
www.hoodlandfire.us, can also be picked up in person at the district’s main
station, 69634 E. Hwy. 26 in Welches, or can be requested at 503-622-3256
or carol@hoodlandfire.org.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 and will not be accepted
electronically.