Palmer searches for first new fire chief in nearly 40 years

PALMER — A fixture in the Palmer Fire Department will bid farewell to the station by the end of the year.

Fire Chief Dan Contini, who has a station named for him on Cobb Street in Palmer, is resigning effective Dec. 31.

Contini was unavailable for comment by press time.

In a letter to emergency service workers in Palmer, posted on the city’s Web site, Contini says he’s enjoyed the last 39 years as the chief of the department.

“Fire prevention and saving of personal property has meant a lot to me over the years,” Contini writes. “I hope that each of you will look after each other and keep each other out of harm’s way.”

Contini, who is known for his work with fire education, ends the letter by saying, “Remember, stay safe.”

On Wednesday, Palmer Director of Public Safety Jon Owen said advertisements for the chief’s job are posted on various Web sites, including the state of Alaska’s job board.

It isn’t known how many have applied for the position yet, Owen said.

Contini’s retirement received public attention in August after some firefighters said it looked like the city was trying to force Contini out.

In an Aug. 18 Frontiersman article, Contini said City Manager Bill Allen and another city official asked him to lay bare his plans for a future with the department. At the time, Contini said he was taken aback by the conversation he had with Allen about retirement, and said he became emotional during the meeting.

Three days later, Allen said operational changes in city management prompted him to inquire about Contini’s career plans.

The issue appeared to create tension between some in the fire department and city officials. At the time, Contini said he didn’t want his situation with the city to be a distraction for the fire department.

By late August, Contini said he made up his mind to retire, but didn’t know when he would do so at that time.

When job postings seeking a new fire chief began appearing on Web sites, it confirmed Contini’s departure.

With Contini leaving in a little over one month, the city is looking for someone capable of stepping in where he is leaving off. A job posting on various Web sites advertises for a person to fill the $60,000 to $65,000 a year position.

Application deadline is Dec. 4, according to the posting.

The job requires at least seven years of fire department experience in a management or supervisory capacity, one job posting says.

Owen said officials are hoping to fill the position before Contini leaves, but will rely on Assistant Chief Todd Russell in the interim if necessary.

“The important thing will be finding the right fit for our fire service,” Owen said.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.