Jefferson City narrows down search for fire chief

Jefferson City could have a new fire chief by the end of July.

The Fire Chief Recommendation Committee has selected three finalists for personal interviews and public forums. They chose Fire Captain Jay Niemeyer, Fire Captain Matt Schofield, and Interim Fire Chief Jason Turner.

A committee met Tuesday and its duty is to make a recommendation to the city administrator.

Next week, interview panels will be set up with the fire department and citizens on July 24.

The public is invited to attend from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Council Chambers at City Hall. A public forum for fire department personnel will be held the same day, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Members said they take their job seriously, because the know how important the role is.

Dan Klindt, the chairman of the Jefferson City Fire Chief Committee said, “A fire chief is a very important part of the community; electing the proper fire chief to have the best fire department that we can have is important to any city.”

The public forum with fire personnel will be streamed on the city’s website.