Susanville has seen the retirement of both its Fire and Police chiefs within three months of each other, prompting City Administrator Dan Newton to present to the council the option to create a new head of public safety. Newton stressed this is not a cost-saving change as it would, in turn, open an additional position within each department. However, per discussion during the council’s December 6th meeting, the Public Safety Chief would assume all administrative duties.
Some key highlights in the draft job description are that the city will require the candidate to be a sworn-in Peace Officer, have experience and training as a firefighter, and have a bachelor’s in a related field of study.
They are tasked with supervising and guiding all operations within the Public Safety Department, ensuring the achievement of departmental planning and operational goals and objectives. The Public Safety Chief is responsible for strategic resource planning within the city and offers diverse administrative support, including oversight of relief programs for the City Administrator and other assigned departments.
The council will discuss this matter Wednesday in City Hall in uptown Susanville. Doors will open at 5 pm. You can view the full agenda item by visiting the city of Ssuanvilles website under the current agendas tab.
Photo: Retirement of Police Chief Ryan Cochran this November
