By Martin B. Cassidy
Staff Writer
November 8, 2007
The Board of Selectmen plans to vote today to promote a 14-year
Greenwich Fire Department veteran and deputy chief to fill the
position of assistant fire chief, a post in charge of the daily
firefighting operations of the department.
The board will vote whether to promote Deputy Chief Robert Kick,
35, at their meeting this morning, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski
said.
The board is to vote at its regularly scheduled meeting, at 10:30
a.m. at Town Hall. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m.
at Town Hall, First Selectman Jim Lash said.
The post has been vacant since Siecienski became fire chief in
May, replacing former chief Sanford "Sandy" Anderson.
"I think he's a good candidate," Siecienski said.
"Bob Kick has a good background to do the job."
Kick, a Newtown native, joined the department in 1993, and was
promoted to lieutenant in 2001.
In April 2006, Kick was promoted to deputy chief with three
others, who act as shift commanders taking control of directing
firefighters at emergency scenes, a move meant to simplify the
chain of command and groom internal candidates for higher rank.
Kick also is a rescue specialist with the state Urban Search and
Rescue Team, a 70-member team of public safety professionals that
responds to major disasters.
Kick said yesterday that if promoted, he will work hard to
improve standard operating procedures and coordination between
career and volunteer firefighters.
"There are a lot of challenges in the department right now
in terms of organization, budgeting and improving policies,"
Kick said. "I would look forward to it."
One of Kick's first tasks in addition to daily leadership of
firefighting efforts will be to help develop a 2007-2008 budget
and help plan for the department's operations in advance of
construction projects, including the construction of a new fire
headquarters, scheduled to start in 2009.
"He will work heavily with the rank and file but also handle
administrative issues that are going on as well," Siecienski
said. "But he'll think more globally in terms of policies
and procedures department-wide and having greater efficiency and
better standard operating procedures."
Kick was selected from eight finalists chosen to be interviewed
of the 23 applicants for the job, Siecienski said.
Five of the candidates came from within the department and three
from outside, Siecienski said.
The job has a salary range of $89,140 to $120,640.
Lash said that Kick was the unanimous choice of a four-member
panel, including Siecienski, which interviewed the candidates.
Last year, the town promoted Kick and the three other deputy
chiefs, part of an effort to develop internal candidates capable
of being promoted if higher ranking firefighters should retire or
leave, Lash said.
"I've said from the beginning, to have a succession process
so we can identify and promote and train the best people in the
department is important," Lash said. "That doesn't mean
we won't look outside for candidates, because we do."
Copyright © 2007, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.