Council sets procedures for appointing head of fire department
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
DOWNINGTOWN – Per an ordinance passed Wednesday night, borough council will now be in charge of selecting a chief for the Downingtown Fire Department.
The ordinance also calls for borough council to appoint the assistant fire chief or deputy chief to take over should the fire chief not be able to fulfill his or her duties.
Requirements call for the fire chief to be at least 25 years old, live within 10 miles of the borough, and hold formal training qualifications in firefighting, arson investigation, hazardous materials safety and other areas. The chief’s term will last three years.
The decision comes after a lengthy discussion regarding the selection process at this month’s previous borough council meeting.
Council also approved the hiring of Kurt Gravina as a full time police officer at Wednesday night’s meeting.
In other borough news, council discussed a potential location for the farmers market this summer. Farmers market personnel requested the use of the Dane Décor parking lot near the intersection of Washington Ave. and Green Street. Mayor Josh Maxwell said that he would reach out to those involved in the market to discuss concerns such as traffic and visibility to best accommodate the vendors.
