Wednesday, September 30, 2009 9:33 PM CDT
Fire chief thanks city, co-workers for support
By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — Mike Chism, on retirement day, realized his last three years as fire chief were a mutual effort.
“I’ve got a really good department and they supported me through it. They come to me and we talk and solve problems. That’s what it is all about,” said Chism, who retired Wednesday after 24 years with Mattoon Fire Department.
Chism took over as chief three years ago with little advance notice after an unexpected change in leadership in the department. Mattoon city Commissioner Randy Ervin, who was fire commissioner at the time, recognized that Chism set out to make changes through a cooperative effort among firefighters and with support of city staff and elected officials.
“He’s a class act, professional, and it was a real pleasure to work with him,” said Ervin during a retirement gathering for Chism on Wednesday in fire Station One at Mattoon City Hall. “He wanted to set goals and he really had a vision on where he wanted the department to be going.”
Some major changes in fire department operations during Chism’s tenure included expanding cooperative efforts with the Mattoon Police Department on fire investigations and establishing a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) with the Charleston Fire Department.
“When we go to a fire now, the police are doing interviews while we’re putting out the fire. We have a great working relationship on investigations. And we are talking all the time to help each other,” said Chism.
Mattoon police Chief Dave Griffith complimented Chism on those efforts. “He’s really been great to work with. I’m going to miss him,” said Griffith when he stopped in to offer congratulations to Chism.
The RIT program is designed to provide a backup for firefighters trapped or injured during a structure fire in Mattoon or Charleston. Firefighters are called out for RIT backup automatically. A team can cancel the call if they are not needed when the responding department confirms the situation at the scene.
“We’re there to protect the Charleston firefighters if they get trapped inside. And they do the same for us. This provides fresh people at the scene in case firefighters need help. They are just there on standby,” said Chism.
In addition, Chism on his watch has worked to provide a full computer inventory on equipment maintenance, purchases and replacement. That can save money down the road, he said.
“If you know you should spend $100 now on maintenance, then you could save $750 later when something breaks down. That saves taxpayers money,” Chism said.
The department has also maintained its regimen of training and enhanced its physical fitness training for firefighters.
“I don’t have to tell any of them to be working out. It is a ritual here. And being fit means they can prevent getting hurt or sick,” Chism said.
But Chism said these changes were made possible with the cooperation of his assistant chief and fire captains, as well as many firefighters.
“This department is very professional. They have been a pleasure to work with,” he said.
Tony Nichols officially takes over as chief today after months of transition training with Chism, Assistant Chief Andy Adair, now retired, and the chief captains, who have taken over the duties of the phased-out assistant chief position. Chism said Nichols will work on expanding the ambulance service through the department, a backup for private providers, and voluntary building inspections, as well as paramedic training.
“When I leave here today I will hand him the keys. He’s ready because of how the transition went. He will be great for the fire department and the community,” Chism said.
Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.
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Rohn Gordon wrote on Oct 1, 2009 8:33 AM: