Greer will not hire permanent new fire chief
Deputy Chief Christopher Cross to fill role on interim basis
Trending
As first reported on KFJB Radio Tuesday morning, Marshalltown Mayor and Acting City Administrator Joel Greer has declined to offer either of the two previously announced fire chief finalists the position at the present time and will instead install Deputy Chief Christopher Cross on an interim basis once soon-to-be retired Chief David Rierson uses up his remaining vacation days.
MFD Captain Curtis Raue and Keokuk Fire Chief Gabe Rose were the two remaining finalists after Cedar Rapids Fire Department Battalion Chief Brian Giachino withdrew from consideration shortly before a public meet and greet event on Feb. 22.
The hiring decision ultimately falls on the city administrator, who presents it to the city council for approval, and in a text message to the T-R, Greer elaborated on his thought process.
"We had a small pool of applicants, narrowed to three, then one withdrew to protect his current retirement plan. Though the two remaining applicants were qualified, we have a capable assistant chief for now, and I think it would be good for the city to have a new city administrator in place to help select the next fire chief," he said.
In an email to the T-R, Cross, who was hired as the deputy chief in December of 2016, said his approach as interim chief will be centered on "providing strong leadership and support to the department while ensuring continuity and stability in our operations" and laid out several key aspects of his vision.
"First, I will prioritize supporting ongoing projects, such as the construction of a replacement piece of apparatus. It's crucial to ensure that these projects receive the necessary attention and resources, and I will provide clear direction and support to the team involved," he said. "Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication will be a top priority. I intend to engage regularly with both members of the command staff and the labor group to understand their concerns, expectations, and feedback. By fostering open dialogue, I aim to build trust and collaboration within the department."
Consistency, he added, is "another key focus area."
"While we may encounter challenges during this transitional period, I will strive to maintain consistency in our operational procedures and administrative processes. Clear communication about any changes will be essential to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities," Cross said. "Transparency and presence will be cornerstones of my leadership approach. I will be transparent in my actions and decisions, keeping the department informed of developments and decisions that may impact them. Maintaining a visible presence within the department will allow me to be accessible to personnel and actively engage with them."
He also stressed the need for patience and understanding during times of transition as well as "encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of mutual respect" to maintain morale and cohesion within the department.
"Furthermore, I will acknowledge and appreciate the high level of competence within the department. Celebrating successes and highlighting the capabilities of the team will boost morale and reinforce a positive organizational culture," Cross said. "Finally, I will adapt responsibilities as needed to accommodate being down a member. This may involve redistributing tasks among the officer corps to ensure that essential functions are covered effectively while maintaining operational readiness."
In conclusion, he hoped that by leading with "patience, understanding, and a commitment to collaboration," the MFD will be able to navigate the transitional period successfully and emerge stronger as a department.
Rose declined comment, and Raue had not responded at presstime. Greer said he was not sure on the timing of resuming the hiring process as it may depend on how well the soon-to-be acting chief does in the position.
------
Contact Robert Maharry
at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or
rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.