NEWS FROM O’FALLON CITY HALL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brent Saunders Appointed Fire Chief
O’Fallon, Illinois – April 14, 2008 – Mayor Gary L. Graham is excited to announce that Brent Saunders has been selected as the City’s first full time Fire Chief. Saunders has been a member of the O’Fallon Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and has been the volunteer fire chief for the past four years. “Given Brent’s commitment to our community, his experience with the department and his excellent leadership skills, Brent is a perfect fit for the new Fire Chief postion,” stated Mayor Graham.
Saunders has obtained numerous state firefighting certificates and has attended the National Fire Academy/Emergency Management Institute as well as the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and Southwestern Illinois College. He also serves as the President of the St. Clair/Monore County Fire Chief’s Association and the Statewide Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 32. Saunders is an Executive Board Member of St. Clair Special Emergency Services and a Fire Science Advisory Board Member of Southwestern Illinois College. He also serves at the Haz Mat/Technical Rescue Liaison for St. Clair Special Emergency Services.
The City’s hiring of a full time fire chief is a result of the comprehensive Fire Study completed last year by McGrath Consulting. The Fire Study concluded that the fire department was well-run and provided excellent services to O’Fallon residents. However, the study articulated several administrative, financial, and legal areas that were not being addressed. As the City prepared an implementation plan for the study, it became obvious that a full time fire chief was needed. The best way to ensure the success of the volunteer fire department was to hire a full time chief to coordinate the volunteers.
A national search was conducted for the fire chief position beginning with the running of advertisements in national, state and local publications. These advertisements produced 41 applications.
City staff, in conjunction with Dr. Tim McGrath from McGrath Consulting narrowed the pool of applicants to four finalists. The final four candidates participated in an assessment center conducted by McGrath Consulting. Following the assessment center, City Administrator Walter Denton made the recommendation to Mayor Graham that Brent Saunders be appointed to the Fire Chief position, and the City Council has confirmed the appointment. “Even though we had great final candidates, Brent really excelled in every area. Brent is very dedicated to the development
of our volunteers and understands the important link of the fire department to all aspects of the community. Brent shares a commitment to excellence and adapting fire services to fit an ever-changing and growing community. His commitment to this community, volunteer development and community interaction were an important part of his selection," stated City Administrator Walter Denton.
An Assessment Center is a day-long series of activities that simulate the types of roles that would be required for a fire chief. For example, the candidates had to make a presentation to a mock City Council and had to prioritize a series of tasks, memos, and letters from an in-basket. The activities are a good indicator of character and management ability.
Saunders will begin his full time duties as the Fire Chief within the next 90 days. “I am very excited about being given the opportunity to be O’Fallon’s first full time Fire Chief, and am looking forward to the challenges and rewards that a growing community like O’Fallon presents,” stated Brent Saunders.
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Additional Information Contact:
Pamala L. Funk
Asst. City Administrator
624-4500, Ext. 9-1112
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