Taylor appointed as interim head following Helms' retirement

MOSES LAKE — City Manager Joe Gavinski is looking over the applications, but admits he is taking his time to find a replacement for Moses Lake's recently-retired head of fire suppression.

Moses Lake Fire Department Chief Dave Helms retired from the position earlier this month, but remains an employee of the city until next month while he uses accrued vacation time. Helms retired Aug. 12 after more than a quarter-century with the MLFD, the last 10 of those as fire chief.

Since Helms' retirement, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Taylor has been appointed interim chief as the selection process moves forward. Taylor was appointed interim chief Aug. 13.

"We'll be awaiting the city manager's decision on a permanent decision," Taylor said of the MLFD during the interim.

During the selection process, Taylor said no other personnel changes have been made at the department.

The City Of Moses Lake has advertised in-house for the job, and Gavinski said Thursday that his office has received several applications for the position from city employees. Gavinski said the selection and appointment of a permanent chief may not be immediate. And he said utilizing an interim chief while a permanent selection goes on is a common practice for municipalities.

"I'm working through the process to select the chief," Gavinski said, "taking the time and making sure I make the best selection for the city of Moses Lake."

Moses Lake's municipal codes allows the city manager to appoint the MLFD chief without council approval, but Gavinski said the selection will be in consultation with the council.

"I'll consult with the council with regard to this," Gavinski said, "make sure (there's) no significant objection to this appointment."