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Phoenix fire chief to stress funding By Tony Boom PHOENIX � Meeting tough regulations and securing adequate funding are the among biggest problems facing small fire departments. New Fire Chief Greg Schlitz plans to use his grant-writing experience to address both issues for this town of 4,145. Schlitz, 49, began his service on Tuesday. He was a firefighter and paramedic with the California Department of Forestry from 1984 to 1999 in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. During that time he served as a captain, training officer and relief administrative officer. "There are so many stringent standards by the communities and by regulatory agencies," said Schlitz. "They require increased staffing and purchase of high-dollar equipment. My commitment to the city council is to try to find alternative funding." Phoenix�s fire department includes the chief, four full-time, paid firefighters and 14 volunteers. The department provides both fire and emergency medical services and last year it responded to 454 calls, of which 85 percent were for emergency medical services. Schlitz said he would like to expand the volunteer force to 20 in the near future and, eventually, to 30. He hopes expansion of a student intern program through grants will increase volunteer efforts. Currently, three interns, all college students, receive $750 in tuition assistance per term and stand overnight shifts at the station. The new chief also hopes to attract volunteers who are considering careers in firefighting. "Large departments may have 2,000 to 3,000 applicants for four or five positions," said Schlitz. "The more experience and education, the better the chance to get through the selection process." City Councilman Otto Caster, liaison between the council and the department, said recruiting additional volunteers is the top priority. Caster also said he supports the student intern programs because it puts a minimum of two firefighters on duty at the station at all times. The structure of the department is also changing. At Tuesday�s meeting, the City Council voted to promote Capt. Ken Hull to assistant chief on Schlitz�s recommendation. "We need solid leadership to continue in the event of my absence," said Schlitz. "I could be away on administrative or operating duties." Schlitz says the city has done "absolutely as well as it can" with the money it has for equipment purchases. He said firefighting units are in good condition, but their age makes them ready for replacement. Vehicles include 1992 and 1975 engines, a 1990 brush fire rig, and a 1977 rescue unit for emergency medical services. A new engine, priced between $200,000 and $250,000, represents the department�s entire budget for a year. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.