While expected to make the final decision next week, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz on Tuesday identified three candidates being considered to lead the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz identified the internal candidates for the fire chief position as Assistant Chief Karen Marquardt, Battalion Chief David Hitt, and Battalion Chief Brian Byrd. One will replace retiring Fire Chief Luis Santiago, who will remain in his position until the first week of August.
Tuesday was the first time the mayor provided a list of candidates. He said he expects to make his decision next week so the incoming chief can have time on the job with Chief Santiago.
“Each one of these candidates has different strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “All three of them have decades of experience in the fire service. I truly believe any one of them would make an excellent chief.”
Mayor Kapszukiewicz added his decision will largely come down to the question of whether to keep someone from the current administrative team or bring in a “fresh voice that may take the department in a new direction.”