The Grand Island Independent Grand Island Rural Fire Chief Don Kohtz received a registered letter Thursday stating that his position will be terminated in 30 days. The Independent Grand Island Rural Fire Chief Don Kohtz received a registered letter Thursday stating that his position will be terminated in 30 days. He said the five-member fire district board met in closed session during a December meeting to discuss fire chief duties and wages. Kohtz was not part of the closed session, and no decision was announced following the meeting.
Nothing is in cement or in stone one way or the other.
The termination letter was not signed but listed all five board members at the bottom. Kohtz wondered if the savings would be that great, however. He does routine maintenance such as tune-ups and brake repairs on fire vehicles, and that would have to be hired out if his job were eliminated. Bockmann also said the fire board has received complaints about service from the district. He would not elaborate on the complaints.