Fire Marshal Ned Sparks will serve as interim fire chief when Mark Miller retires until the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority hires a new chief to lead the department.
The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board selected Sparks at its meeting on Wednesday, and also chose Prothman Executive Recruitment out of Washington State to hold a nationwide search for a new chief.
Miller announced March 31 that he is retiring effective July 1, and the board began looking at the process to hire a new chief.
No internal candidates expressed interest, and the board decided to undergo a full nationwide search; Miller expects a new chief could take the reins by August or September.
But until that time, Sparks will lead the department, starting July 1.
“He’s the best person to keep the ship going straight,” said Miller.