Bedford narrows fire chief search down to one

Bedford Township has narrowed its search for a new fire chief down to one internal candidate who believes that building a culture of teamwork and togetherness is the key for the department’s future success.

The Bedford Township Board of Trustees interviewed two candidates during its June 21 meeting. The board ultimately voted 5-1 to extend an employment offer to Robert Van Klingeren, pending a clean background check and an interview of Van Klingeren by the township's personnel committee.

Trustee Todd Bruning was the lone 'no' vote, saying that he liked both candidates but would prefer the township open up the candidate pool to individuals serving on other local fire departments. Trustee Joe Gore was absent from the meeting.

In April, the board voted to perform a 30-day internal search for a new fire chief to replace Adam Massingill, who resigned as chief earlier this year.

“What I believe the department needs in someone…with passion for Bedford and Bedford’s fire department,” Township Trustee Craig Montri said at the June 21 meeting.

Prior to the vote to approve Van Klingeren, the board interviewed both him and the other finalist, Carleton Arnold, a former fire chief in Spencer Township, Ohio.

During one candidate’s appearance at the podium, the other was sequestered in another room. Several board members asked each candidate about leadership roles and styles.

Van Klingeren, who has served Bedford for years both as a paramedic and on the fire department, cited a need to provide for the crews so they can do their jobs, adding that being a good leader means always listening to voices within the department.

“The brand-new firefighter may have a great idea, but if we don’t give them the opportunity to express that idea, then we don’t know what we may be missing,” he said.

As for current issues and morale within the department, both candidates acknowledged that there is room for some improvement, while also saying that the department is stronger than ever.

Van Klingeren especially emphasized the importance of togetherness and building a culture of camaraderie during his interview. He said that some part-time department members may not be motivated to answer a lot of calls if they are not supported like family members.

“It takes a very special person to get up at 2 in the morning,” Van Klingeren said. “A cup of coffee for that person goes a long way. I think we would get more participation.”

During each interview, board members asked about the economy and funding for the department, with its current operating millage set to expire in 2026. Each candidate explained how they would handle the budget and ensure future funding of the department.

Van Klingeren, who said he has handled multi-million dollar budgets in the past, said that while Bedford is very fortunate with its current lines of equipment, they must keep an eye on the future.

“At some time, I do believe that we will need to increase the budget,” he said.

Following the interview, the board discussed each candidate and chose a preference. Most members agreed that both candidates were strong, and it was a difficult decision. However, several members cited Van Klingeren’s dedication to creating a family-like culture within the department as an advantage.

“If you don’t associate with each other, that’s where you lose camaraderie,” Trustee Rick Steiner said. “With that said, I do believe Mr. Van Klingeren is stronger in that respect.”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Bedford narrows fire chief search down to one