by Cheryl Splain KnoxPages.com reporter
MOUNT VERNON — Capt. Chad Christopher will serve as interim Mount Vernon fire chief until the formal selection process is completed. Safety-Service Director Dave Glass said Christopher will begin his chief duties effectivemidnight Friday.
As a captain, Christopher is on a 48-hour-a-week schedule. Glass said Christopher will remain at 48 hours and will be available each day during the day. Glass anticipates Christopher will work four 10-hour shifts and one eight-hour shift; this enables him to work with members of each shift as well as city officials.
The formal selection process takes several months. Glass said the position has been posted; those interested have seven days to sign up to take the test. Applicants will have a 60-day study period before taking the test. All applicants will undergo an independent assessment by a panel from the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. The test and assessment scores are then combined for final results. Glass said there is no guarantee that Christopher will be appointed to the position, even though he may be the highest-ranking applicant.
While serving as interim chief, Christopher will retain his captain’s salary. He replaces Chief Chris Menapace, who is leaving to take a position with the City of Whitehall.
