By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The agenda for a special joint meeting of the City of Whitewater Common Council and the Whitewater Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday includes 1) An update on financial outlook for City as it relates to adoption of Agreement with Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc. to provide fire and rescue services, and 2) Discussion and possible action on Agreement between City of Whitewater and the Whitewater Fire Dept., Inc., relating to fire and rescue services. The second item is to be discussed in a closed session, followed by possible action in open session.
The city and fire department began discussions last fall regarding the possibility of the fire department becoming a department of the city. A memorandum of understanding towards that goal was signed in May, with the indication at that time that, “All groups are anticipating a mid-summer date for a complete merger between the city and WFD, Inc.”
On July 25 the Police and Fire Commission approved the Command Staff roster which is to take effect upon completion of the merger. That list is shown below. It was indicated that the current chief, Mike Higgins, would remain in that position until the integration is completed, and then will stay on with WFD, Inc. until January, 2023, when he will retire from service.
| Chief of WW Fire & EMS | Kelly Freeman |
| 1st Assistant Chief Fire | Ryan Dion |
| 2nd Assistant Chief Fire | Joseph Uselding |
| Captain Fire | Andrew Beckman |
| Captain Fire | Christ Christon |
| Lieutenant Fire | Justin Sachse |
| Lieutenant Fire | Carl Strait |
| Lieutenant Fire | Kyle Strait |
| EMS Chief | Ashley Vickers |
| Captain EMS | Jason Dean |
| Lieutenant EMS | Andrew Rowland |
| Lieutenant EMS | Dustin Tomlinson |
There was also an approved motion for an officer eligibility list for Whitewater Fire and EMS. The list will have an effective date of 08-01-2022 and will remain in effect for two years, or until exhausted, following certification by the City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission. James Lewis and Jacob Maas will be eligible for promotion pending Fire Chief and PFC approval as spots become available providing they are in good standing and have met internal and state requirements for officer per SPS330.
