Former Camano Island Fire Chief Mike Ganz, who twice served as interim chief in Burlington after retiring as a full-time fire administrator, is serving as interim chief of the Anacortes Fire Department.
The Anacortes fire chief position has been vacant since Oct. 31, when then-chief Dave Oliveri departed after being placed on administrative leave by Mayor Laurie Gere. Assistant Fire Chief Jack Kennedy, who is also fire marshal, served as interim chief until Ganz’s arrival.
Gere introduced Ganz to the City Council on Monday, his first day on the job. Gere said later that Ganz will serve as interim chief for “the next couple months” at $85 an hour, with no benefits. Meanwhile, recruiting for a permanent chief continues. “We have posted a position for permanent chief and hope to have that position filled by early spring,” Gere said.