By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The Decatur Fire Department is moving toward the addition of two firefighters, which would return it to full capacity.
Fire Chief Jeff Sheets told city council at its latest meeting that two candidates are awaiting the results of their physical testing by the state.
If both pass, they will then need to get through some state requirements for PERF (Public Employee’ Retirement Fund).
The two – unnamed until they fulfill all the requirements – remain from an original field of 18 candidates.
The local department has lost five full-time (or career) fighters since early August of last year.
Those who have left have taken higher-paying positions with departments in Allen County.
When fully staffed, the Decatur FD has nine full-time (or career) firefighters, plus Chief Sheets and Deputy Chief Chad Baumann.
The paid-on-call force is fully staffed with 25 men.
About the Author
