Bayside fire chief wants new career position but warns against a rushed hire

Bayside Fire Department Chief Scott Ellis told the Kodiak Island Borough Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board at its June 30 meeting that he cannot cover all current duties on his own and that a new career firefighter position is "well needed," but he urged the board not to move too quickly.

Ellis warned that a poorly designed position could create a "segregation between career and volunteer firefighters" that would damage the department's mixed-staff culture. He offered examples of how the new position could affect both career and volunteer firefighters if not structured carefully. Board members agreed with his caution and expressed appreciation for the deliberate approach, according to the meeting minutes.

Bayside has logged 283 calls through June 30. Ellis attributed part of the rising call volume to an aging Kodiak Island population. He also reported that Firefighter 1 training currently has seven students enrolled, with six more incoming.

The position remains under development. The board is scheduled to take up the matter again at its next regular meeting on July 21 at Bayside Fire Hall.