Iowa City fire chief finalists pitch their vision for the role

Five candidates vying to be the Iowa City Fire Department's next fire chief said the department faces several challenges including fiscal constraints while efficiently meeting the demands of a growing community. Challenges, they said, they're ready to tackle.

The finalists mingle with members of the community on Thursday at the Iowa City Senior Center.

Iowa City City Manager Tom Markus said officials received a total of 18 applicants and he's pleased with the finalists.

“However it gets down to a ‘fit' kind of situation at some point,” he said.

All the candidates are from the Midwest and only one isn't from Iowa. Three of the candidates are from within the Iowa City's department. Markus said he often prefers someone who is comfortable with the Midwest environment.

Greg Main, Evansville Fire Department district chief in Indiana, said he shares those Midwest values. Main said he was attracted to Iowa City's vibrant community and as chief he'd like to see the department expand its services for community members post-fire.

“We want to be there and what can we do to make it easier for them,” Main said.

Candidate Brian Platz, an Iowa City Fire Department battalion chief, said continually analyzing the department's services is important.

“I think it's important from time to time to take a breath and say, ‘Are we giving you what you need?'” said Platz, who's served the department since 1993.

The search began earlier this year after previous Chief Andy Rocca retired in May after serving with the department for nearly 35 years. During his tenure Rocca lead the department through several high-profile fires, saw the department receive the prestigious Fire Accreditation status and helped reduce the city's Insurance Services Organization Public Protection Classification rating.

The candidates, including John-Paul Schilling, Cedar Falls Fire Department chief since 2009, said they intend to maintain the department's accreditation. Schilling said he wants to build on Rocca's work.

“Being able to come in and further expand on all that Andy has done is a great opportunity,” he said.

Iowa City Fire Department Capt. Eric Nurnberg said his passion for public services drove him to seek the position and being chief requires balancing fiscal needs while maintaining their mission of community safety.

“What we have to do is just be very careful planners and fiscally responsible….and weigh those financial concerns with the needs of the city,” said Nurnberg, who's served since 2001.

Marcus said the next chief needs to be able to juggle the different leadership roles the position requires including leading a 65-member department, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and technical rescue. The department has a training center and four fire stations.

John Grier, Iowa City Fire Marshal, said as the community grows and the department expandsit is important the chief continually does a “checkup” on how to best serve the community.

Markus said he next chief will likely be announced sometime in August.

City officials encourage the community to give input regarding the candidates to the city manager.  Comment forms are also available at City Hall today and will be accepted until 5 p.m.