Springfield Township will hire new fire chief

NEW SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Township trustees said the hiring process for a permanent fire chief will begin in August or September.

They have not yet decided whether to hire from within the department or to advertise the position, or whether it will be full or part time, they said at their meeting Wednesday.

In the meantime, interim Fire Chief Matt Gebhardt, who was hired to run the department through this year, is interviewing fire department members for new positions including assistant chief, battalion chief and a fire prevention officer.All the positions are unpaid.

Trustee Rick Jones said the positions are being created because Gebhardt needs the help. Those who fill the positions will do so with the understanding that they may not be continued once a new chief is hired.

For more on the trustees’ meeting, please see Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.