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McGinley (January 24, 2013) |
El Centro Police Chief Jim McGinley is acting as the city’s public safety director while the search for a new fire chief continues.
Already, two rounds of interviews have been held, one about a year ago and the other in October, said City Manager Ruben Duran.
These interviews haven’t been successful, said Duran, who noted the city is being judicious in its decision.
El Centro has been without a fire chief for more than a year since former Chief Christopher Petree announced his retirement in June 2011.
Petree stayed on the job for about six months after that as interim chief, only to leave his post some six months later.
Battalion Chief Tim Reel became the new interim chief after Petree ended his temporary contract, but Reel retired in December.
Several battalion chiefs retired last year, said Duran.
“Eventually we’ll get into recruiting battalion (chiefs), but that’s really going to come later,” Duran said.
Since Reel left, McGinley became the active public safety director, a position that Duran said is more common in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.
As public safety director, McGinley manages the police and fire departments, said Duran, but this will be a temporary position until the city finds a new fire chief.
Staff Writer Alejandro Dávila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
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