The new year will bring two new faces ? including a new assistant fire chief ? to the Independence Township Fire Department.
The township board on Dec. 7 approved the hire of Robert Elizondo as the number two man in the department. Fire Chief Steve Ronk described the former fire chief for the city of Flint as ‘a positive kind of guy? who will bring a sense of energy to his new post.
‘He’s looking for a challenge, and he really likes what we’re doing here,? Ronk said.
With more than 20 years on the Flint Fire Department, Elizondo has gained specialized training in areas such as hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, confined space awareness, extrication and other fire science and technology.
The new assistant chief will not begin his new job until Jan. 17, in part because of a commitment to a family vacation and a charitable marathon to benefit the battle against leukemia.
Before he begins his new duty, Elizondo will also complete his third year of a four-year executive fire officer program at the U.S. Fire Administration Academy.
Ronk said Elizondo will fill a hole open since Ronk became chief in 2001. Elizondo will assist Ronk with day-to-day administrative duties, help coordinate functions among the three emergency response shifts and expand training in fire and rescue operations.
The township board approved Elizondo’s annual salary at $65,000 and approved the purchase of a new Ford Expedition (similar to vehicles used by other command officers) at a cost of $25,359.
Rounding out the department in January will be new Engineer/Paramedic Pat Stamper.
Ronk said Stamper will bring 12 years of experience with the Groveland Township Fire Department, and will also fill an existing vacancy for Independence Township.