Town To Readvertise Utility Directors Vacancy
The search for a new Smithfield fire chief continues. Former Chief Patrick Harris retired on July 1st. Captain John Blanton, who has been on the fire department 25 years has been serving as the interim chief, since July.
Interim Town Manager Jim Freeman told members of the Smithfield Town Council Tuesday night 42 people had applied for the position. Of that number, the interim manager and human resource director Tim Kerigan have narrowed the list to 17.
Freeman hopes to have a new fire chief hired by the first of November.
The Smithfield Fire Department responds to nearly 2,000 calls annually, with two-thirds of the calls being medical-first responder incidents. The department has 14 full-time personnel, 2 part-time fire inspectors, and 28 volunteers.
In an unrelated matter, only 4 candidates applied for the electric utility directors vacancy. Freeman was given approval to readvertise for the position.
