The Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District board has promoted an in-house candidate as the permanent fire chief.
The district board gave the job to former Capt. Michael Whorton after more than two dozen candidates were considered. A two-year employment contract with Whorton was approved on a 5-0 vote Thursday. He took over as fire chief Monday.
The contract pays Whorton a $135,000 annual salary, plus medical benefits, a district-paid $100,000 life insurance policy and retirement benefits through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System. About 15 months ago, the fire district board voted to terminate former Chief Rick Weigele amid a storm of controversy. Weigele, a 26-year fire service veteran, worked six months for Stanislaus Consolidated and was a third chief to go though a revolving door at the rural district.