No need to worry about former Addison Fire Chief George Spencer, he’s landed on his feet with a new job three time zones away in the state of Washington.
‘I feel a little guilty leaving the Michigan area because of the economic stress the area’s under, but I think it’s a good opportunity for myself and my family to contribute to another community,? he said.
Sometime in the coming weeks, Spencer, who lives in Oxford Township, is expected to sign a two-year contract to become the new chief of the East Valley Fire Department, which serves the 125-square-mile Fire District #4 in Yakima County, Washington.
‘I’m looking forward to creating a friendly work environment and a highly-motivated fire department like I had in Addison,? he said.
For $86,000 per year, Spencer will be overseeing a department consisting of four stations, six career firefighters (although there are plans to hire two more) and about 30 volunteers. He’s expected to take the reins by the end of June.
‘I can’t wait to get back in the fire service again,? said Spencer, who resigned from Addison March 2 after nearly 11 years as chief there. ‘I’ve been away too long.?
Technically, Spencer hasn’t performed any fire-related duties since Jan. 28, when he was placed on what basically amounted to a paid leave while the $183.60 pay advance he made to a firefighter in December 2008 was investigated.
The township has no policy covering pay advances, so Spencer classified the matter as an ‘overpay? for the records. The chief said he advanced the money so the firefighter, who subsequently worked the equivalent 20 hours to cover the advance, could buy his kids Christmas gifts.
The East Valley Fire Department serves a combined 15,000 people in the city of Moxee, an unincorporated area called Terrace Heights (similar to Lakeville) and some other unincorporated spots.
According to Spencer, the district, which is part of Yakima Valley, is primarily an agricultural area that continues to be a national leader in the production of apples, sweet cherries, mint and hops, the bitter plant from the hemp family used to flavor beer.
Forty percent of the world’s hops are grown in Washington, most of them in Yakima Valley.
‘It’s on what they call the sunny side of the Cascade Mountains, so instead of getting 60 days of sunshine a year (like Seattle), we get 60 days of rain a year,? Spencer explained.
The valley’s also known for its vineyards and wineries. ‘For someone from Michigan, it’s very reminiscent of the Traverse City area,? he said.
Spencer credited his wife, Sharon, with finding the job opening on the internet and helping him seal the deal with her presence during the two-day interview process in early April.
‘I think she definitely was an asset and helped me get the job,? he said.
Spencer said he was very impressed with East Valley’s interview process and its holistic approach.
‘This is the most thorough job search process I’ve ever been through,? he said. ‘They realize the importance of making sure it’s not just a good fit for the candidate, but for the family as well.?
Moving with Spencer and his wife will be the couple’s three children ? Lauren, 12; Zachary, 10; and Jordan, 6.
As East Valley’s new chief, Spencer will report directly to a three-member elected board that oversees the entire fire district.
This will be quite a change considering in Addison he reported to a five-member appointed fire board and a seven-member elected township board.
‘It’s a much simpler, less-layered form of government than what I dealt with in Addison,? Spencer said.