Crime & Safety

Incoming Fire Chief Says Community Needs Are A Priority

Changing population, regionalization will be reviewed

Avon Lake's incoming fire chief, Lt. Glen Eisenhardt, said he will review community wants and needs and make those results a priority.

Avon Lake Patch sat down with Eisenhardt Tuesday morning, after it was announced Eisenhardt's test results made him the to head the 29-person . 

"We're a growing community and we need to make sure we're matching the service," Eisenhardt said. "We'll review the Preuer Report, and see if it matches the community's needs. Is regionalization the best way? What do our citizens need? We have a lot more seniors now and we have to meet the needs.

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"There's always room to improve."

For the first time, Avon Lake, if approved by city council in August, will have an interim fire chief.

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"The chief convinced for a transitional chief," Eisenhardt said. "It will make the transition smoother. I need to learn budgets. I'm involved in day-to-day things now, now I'll have to learn running it." Eisenhardt said.

Morris said he'll be working closely with Eisenhardt from mid-August through December when Morris retires.

Eisenhardt was one of three candidates who took a written exam in June for the chief's position. Lieutenants Larry Grizzell, who previously served as Avon Lake's fire chief, and and Chris Huerner also moved on to assessments conducted by Dr. Thurston Cosner. Eisenhardt scored highest, followed by Huerner and Grizzell. The results were certified July 22.

Morris said Eisenhardt would make a solid fire chief.

"Absolutely," Morris said. "Any of the three (final) candidates would have done an excellent job."

Eisenhardt, 34, will see a pay bump to 92,739.66 per year following his promotion. He will most likely see an interim salary increase in August, to be determined.


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