GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Community members will soon have the chance to meet the finalists vying for the role of Grand Rapids’ next fire chief.
The search is down to two finalists: Dr. Brad Brown, GRFD's deputy chief of support services, and Chief Eloy Vega from Port Neches, Texas.
Dr. Brown has been a city employee for 20 years and has assumed multiple roles, often as acting fire chief, according to the city of Grand Rapids.
Chief Vega has been a first responder for more than 23 years, and held a number of titles in his career before he became fire chief, including fire training district chief, fire suppression district chief, arson district chief and others.
The Fire Chief Candidate Forum is scheduled to be held inside City Hall’s City Commission Chambers (ninth floor) Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.
The city says the forum will also be viewable on Comcast Channel 26 and on its Facebook page.
We’re told a Q&A session will be held after candidates offer remarks.
“While it is ultimately my responsibility to hire a fire chief, residents will continue to have a voice in the process of selecting our next chief,” says City Manager Mark Washington. “Public safety and resident engagement is essential for a thriving community, and the next fire chief will be fundamentally responsible for carrying out the vision articulated in the City'sand department’sstrategic plans.”
Questions may be asked in advance by submitting this online form before Monday, March 27 at 5 p.m.
The city adds a survey will go out to collect feedback after the forum’s conclusion. Comments will be accepted through Friday, March 31 at 5 p.m.
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