Public to meet with new fire chief candidates

Yuma Fire Department Fire Chief Steve Irr is retiring at the end of April - FOX 9's Adam Klepp reports on the search for his replacement.

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - The Yuma Fire Department is looking for its next fire chief and the search is down to the last two candidates.

Those two candidates both are not currently with the Yuma Fire Department, on March 23rd the public is invited to come to the Yuma Civic Center at 4 p.m. to ask any questions to the candidates about filling this important role within the community.

After over 30 years with the fire department, Fire Captain Steve Irr is retiring at the end of April.

The city has already been working on finding his replacement.

Jennifer Reichelt, the Deputy City Administrator, says she’s excited for the public to meet the finalists.

"Why do they want to come to Yuma, what makes them excited about the job, what is their background, just a great opportunity to meet them one on one,” Reichelt said.

Reichelt says the public’s opinion will be taken into consideration, but ultimately the next new fire chief will be chosen by acting City Administration Jay Simonton.

"He’ll be incorporating feedback from the panels, the interview process, as well as feedback from tomorrow evening,” Reichelt said.

The public meet and greet goes until 5:30, and light refreshments will be served.