Jason Griffin worked day one Thursday of his dual role as South Beloit Fire Chief and as a deputy for the City of Beloit Fire Department in Wisconsin. According to South Beloit City Administrator Sonya Hoppes, the South Beloit Fire Department went through several leadership changes within the last year. These changes inspired the city and fire department to work with the City of Beloit Fire Department to create a position that serves both communities. Chief Griffin grew up in nearby Rockton, Ill. and most recently served as a firefighter for the City of Beloit for 23 years. Hoppes said funding a small fire department is a tough challenge. “This move in my opinion is how we save our department. It’s how we make sure we can continue to exist,” Hoppes said. “Sharing a chief is a slam dunk. It’s the most financially responsible option for both communities and it allows us a little extra layer of support and compensates them for their help that’s already happening anyway.”