MASON — City officials have kicked off their search for a new fire chief by advertising in local media. Next month, ads will begin appearing in national firefighter magazines.

        The advertised starting salary is $55,000 a year, depending upon qualifications. The deadline for applications is Nov. 23.

        Mayor John McCurley said the new chief could be in place by the end of the year.

        Mr. McCurley and Vice Mayor Jim Fox, along with Councilman James “Dick” Staten, make up the Fire Organization Committee, which has been analyzing the structure of the fire department since spring.

        Mason's mostly part-time department has struggled with staffing and morale problems.

        The department has had three chiefs — including an interim chief — in five months. H. Michael Drumm, the most recent fire chief, resigned in May after City Manager Scot Lahrmer told him he was not a “good fit” for the department.

        “We've had some difficult times through the department in the last year,” Mr. Fox said. “We need someone to lead us past that, to get us back on the right track; someone that all parties involved have confidence in — that being City Council, city administration and the department itself.

        “It has to be someone that the department has faith in to help with some of the morale problems, some of the scheduling problems.”

        Mr. Fox said the committee also considered changing the structure of the fire chief's position, but felt the current one was good.

        Forty-six candidates were invited Saturday to test for six full-time firefighter/paramedic positions, which are expected to be filled by December.

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