VIDEO: South Beloit City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing its emergency services by hiring the Illinois Fire Chief Association to find a new fire chief. The decision comes after the termination of an agreement with the Town of Beloit, which previously provided firefighters and EMS services. The search for a new fire chief will cost the city $14,500.
โWe figured weโd go to the professionals,โ said Mayor Tom Fitzgerald, explaining the councilโs decision to hire the Illinois Fire Chief Association. โIt probably takes anywhere between 2 to 4 months, but thatโs the direction weโre headed in now.โ The previous agreement with the Town of Beloit, which ends in nine months, was terminated by both parties due to staffing issues.
City Manager Sonya Hoppes emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, โItโs going to be difficult. Itโs not going to be any one solution. So step one, get the chief in.โ Mayor Fitzgerald expressed confidence in the cityโs ability to address the staffing challenge, noting that they have considered other contract options to fill the gap until a new chief is hired. โWeโll be rushed to get this done, but we want to take our time enough where we get it right,โ he said.
