A changing of the guard occurred in the Oxford Fire Department last week as Peter Scholz was named the new paid-on-call ‘first assistant chief? by the Oxford Public Fire and EMS Commission.
‘Pete represents for this community what a professional fire department should look like. Congratulations,? said Commissioner Steve Allen, who also serves as village president.
Scholz, formerly the paid-on-call captain, replaces Jim Craig, who served as first assistant chief since 1983 and as a member of the department since October 1971, becoming a full member in 1973.
LeRoy said although Craig voluntarily stepped down from the officer position, he will remain on staff as a paid-on-call firefighter.
The chief called Craig an ‘invaluable asset? to the community, the department and himself.
‘He was my right-hand person,? LeRoy said. ‘He was one of the most vital persons involved in the department’s (facilities and equipment) upgrade over the last few years. He worked tirelessly with me.?
Over the years, Craig served in a variety of positions including lieutenant from 1978-81, second assistant chief from 1981-1983 and acting chief in 1985-1986 and 1993-1994. His main duties in the department were serving as training officer and overseeing all vehicle maintenance.
Craig said he chose to resign the first assistant chief post because ‘I wanted more time to myself and for my family.?
‘When you’re in an officer position, you’re on-duty 24 hours a day,? he said. ‘I got tired of getting up in the middle of the night (on emergency calls).?
‘Being able to help people,? the ‘camaraderie? of his fellow firefighters and serving the community are main reasons Craig said he’s stayed with the department for so long and will continue to do so.
Scholz, who’s served on the department since February 1976, was the ‘next logical candidate? for the position, LeRoy said.
‘He’s well-trained and versed in knowledge of the community and the functioning of the fire department,? he said.
Scholz served as captain from 1981-1983 and 2000-2003, second assistant chief from 1983-1987 and lieutenant from 1996-2000.
OPFEC also approved two other promotions within the paid-on-call firefighters? ranks.
Brad Schick, who’s served on the department since 1986, was promoted from sergeant to captain. He was sergeant from 2001-2003
James Aisthorp, who’s been a paid-on-call firefighter since August 1997, was promoted to sergeant.
The board also approved LeRoy’s recommendation to eliminate the paid-on-call lieutenant’s position and create a second sergeant’s position.
The chief said it’s ‘more vital to create entry-level positions to generate new fire officers.?