Humboldt Bay Fire Acting Chief won’t apply for permanent job, board to consider nationwide search

EUREKA – The Acting Humboldt Bay Fire Chief doesn’t want the full time job. Bill Reynolds says he’ll help the Joint Powers Authority find the right candidate.
The Joint Powers Authority or JPA oversees Humboldt Bay Fire. Tuesday the JPA Personnel Committee held a special meeting to discuss the process of replacing Bill Gillespie, who resigned as chief in November.
Acting Chief Bill Reynolds presented three options. The JPA can hire from within, conduct its own nationwide search, or enlist a consultant to find the right candidate. Reynolds said a nationwide search could cost about $6,000 while fees for a consultant can top $50,000.
The committee chose to save money and expand the pool of applicants by conducting its own search.
Acting Chief Reynolds stated openly that he would not be applying for the full time job, but will continue to serve in the interim.
The committee will make a formal recommendation to the full JPA board at Wednesday’s regular meeting.