Unable to find a candidate willing to take on the role as their new fire chief, the city of Falcon Heights voted Wednesday to have Roseville’s fire department assume the chief’s responsibilities for one year.
The unanimous vote by Falcon Heights’ City Council comes several weeks after Roseville’s council agreed to the $40,000 contract, in which they would take responsibility for all administrative and command services, as well as a department-wide audit.
Nine months ago Falcon Heights fired its fire chief, Rich Hinrichs, after his clashes with the former mayor and city staff, including current city manager Sack Thongvanh.
Wednesday’s vote also resulted in the termination of two department veterans, Assistant Fire Chief Anton Fairinbach and firefighter and training officer Brian Sullivan, both of whom spoke up in support of Hinrichs during the March council meeting in which he was fired.