Alfalfa board sets timeline to hire next fire chief

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Alfalfa Rural Fire District Board of Directors has established a hiring process to select a new fire chief following the departure of former Chief Chad LaValle nearly two months ago.

The district's board approved a timeline during a recent meeting that establishes a six-person selection committee to evaluate candidates and recommend finalists.

The search will be conducted by a six-person hiring committee comprising three distinct groups. The panel will include two local fire chiefs from neighboring departments, such as Sunriver and Redmond, alongside two members of the board of directors and two recently named training officers.

Four candidates are seeking the position, originating from locations across Oregon including Bend, Eugene and Culver. The committee will meet over a two-week period to interview all four applicants before paring the field down to two finalists.

Local residents who spoke off-camera with KTVZ News reporter Spencer Sacks expressed their expectations for the department's leadership as it navigates its future. Community members stated that their primary requirement for the next chief is hiring someone who is honest.

Following the committee's two-week evaluation period, the full board of directors will hold a vote to select and hire the district's next fire chief.