Jun 08, 2023

Great Bend to begin interviews for next fire chief

Posted Jun 08, 2023 3:00 PM
(file photo) Former Great Bend Fire Chief Luke McCormick (right) to shake Mayor Cody Schmidt's hand
(file photo) Former Great Bend Fire Chief Luke McCormick (right) to shake Mayor Cody Schmidt's hand

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Spending the past four months without an official fire chief, the City of Great Bend will begin the interview process soon.

Luke McCormick served as the fire chief for more than five years until the Great Bend City Council approved his immediate resignation on Feb. 6 of this year. McCormick was with the Great Bend Fire Department since 1996 before his resignation was accepted without any comment or recognition of service.

Mayor Cody Schmidt said a committee will look over possible candidates.

"Logan (Burns) has put together a small list of names," said Schmidt. "I have looked at that, but I will leave that open to council. We all know the rules on how many can be there. We'll look things over and get something finalized yet this week so we can move forward with that."

In February, Interim City Administrator Logan Burns mentioned hiring a new fire chief would wait until Great Bend found their next city administrator. Brandon Anderson was approved to be the next city administrator in May and will officially begin his position July 1.

Deputy Chief Brent Smith has served as interim fire chief since McCormick’s resignation.