The two Green Bay Metro Fire assistant chiefs leading the department since former chief Matthew Knott’s resignation are finalists for the top job, according to a May 12 news release.
Green Bay Metro Fire Assistant Chief of Operations Ray Fuiten and Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, and Support Services Eric Jeltema were named as interim co-chiefs Feb. 13. Knott’s resignation was announced Feb. 6.
Jeltema and Fuiten have both worked with the fire department for 21 years. The final selection for chief will be made after in-person interviews are completed in June, the release said.
After reviewing nearly 30 candidates from across the country, the Green Bay Police and Fire Commission determined “the two most qualified to be our next chief are already serving us,” commission president Rod Goldhahn said in the news release.
“This speaks volumes for the quality of the men and women of our department and their ability to grow strong, respected leaders,” Goldhahn said.
The Green Bay Metro Fire Department provides fire and EMS services for Green Bay, Allouez, and Bellevue.
“These two individuals have been instrumental in setting that standard over their years with Green Bay Metro and we are excited to choose one of them to continue that tradition as our next chief,” Goldhahn said.
Former chief paid through July
Knott will continue to receive his fire chief salary through July 31, according to the resignation agreement signed by him and Mayor Eric Genrich. The Green Bay Press-Gazette obtained the agreement through an open records request.
The agreement stipulated that Knott’s resignation was effective Feb. 15 and that he would continue to receive his full salary and health insurance coverage through July 31. Knott will also receive a $17,699.95 payment to pay out his accrued vacation time, according to the agreement.
The agreement also stipulated that Knott and the city cannot make disparaging remarks about each other and that the agreement will be the only document submitted to the Police and Fire Commission or in his personnel file related to his resignation.
Vivian Barrett is the public safety reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at vmbarrett@usatodayco.com or (920) 431-8314.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: 2 internal candidates named finalists for Green Bay Metro fire chief
Reporting by Vivian Barrett, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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