For the first time in its 70-year history, the Pea Ridge Fire Department has a full-time chief.
Jack Wassman was hired by Mayor Jackie Crabtree recently and put on the payroll. Crabtree said his salary is in the 2021 budget. Wassman, appointed chief of the volunteer department by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council July 16, 2019, said the change to full time won't change much of what he does as he spends about 50 hours a week at the station.
"I'm excited to be here and excited for the opportunity," Wassman said Monday. "I think we're moving in the right direction."
In addition to Wassman, Stephanie Henson was hired as administrative assistant. Her hiring was approved last month by the City Council. Henson worked part-time this past year with medical billing.
"She started here about a year ago for medical billing and blew it out of the water. She far exceeded our expectations with her knowledge," Wassman said.