Citing experience, a stamp of approval from an ad hoc committee and the importance of drawing former firefighters back to the department, the Plains Town Council members in attendance at a special meeting Tuesday unanimously backed Mayor Michael Brinson's appointment of Larry Ballantyne to the helm of the town's struggling fire department.

Ballantyne, who has 21 years of state and federal wildland experience through his tenure with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and was a member of the town fire department for seven years, has been a resident of Plains for 14 years.

He steps into a position vacated by Eric Meckler, who cited lack of government and town support for the Town of Plains Volunteer Fire Department in his letter of retirement from the department. Meckler's departure marked the breaking point for the department, which had experienced a slow decline in membership.

Tom Wurtz, who had served as the assistant fire chief under Meckler, was appointed interim fire chief last month. The town advertised for a new fire chief, and Brinson and the council appointed an ad hoc committee to evaluate the two applicants for the post - Ballantyne and Plains resident Nick Lawyer.

Ad hoc committee member Brian Kirtley reported that, though both candidates were "really good," Ballantyne was the unanimous choice of the committee for the chief position.

Responding to a question posed by council president Don Lynch, Ballantyne said that his job does require him to leave town, but he would set up the department's command structure in a way that would allow another department member to step into his position, if necessary.

Brinson said the most important task of the new department leader will be assembling a team. On Thursday, Ballantyne reported that a department meeting Wednesday drew new people - both new recruits and former members - and he expects 10 by the next meeting, slated for Dec. 27 at the town fire hall.

"I want to put together a department that'll be effective and functional and safe - something that the community can be proud of and depend on," said Ballantyne.

Ballantyne said he is shooting for a 12-14-member department, which will allow between four and six firefighters to respond to incidents on a regular basis. He said another focus of developing the department will be maintaining the lines of communication between the town fire department and the mayor and town council. Ballantyne said he or a fire department representative will be at the town's monthly meeting, and he will be in regular contact with Brinson.

He said he has inventoried the department's equipment, and - "though we're covered for the minimum" - he is in the process or ordering some basic items for new members. He also said the department is looking to upgrade its air pack technology, which is becoming outdated.

Those interested in volunteering for the department can contact Ballantyne, stop by Plains City Hall or attend the next department meeting this month.