McALESTER —
A new face is a the helm of the McAlester Fire Department.
City Manager Pete Stasiak appointed Capt. Brett Brewer as the city’s interim assistant fire chief. With the resignation of Acting Fire Chief Bret Rivas becoming effective last week, Brewer is currently in charge of running the fire department.
“He’s doing the day-to-operations,” Stasiak said.
The city manager said he’s confident the fire department will operate efficiently while the search is ongoing for a new full-time fire chief and assistant chief.
“Mr. Brewer has the talent to keep the stations running smoothly,” Stasiak said.
Brewer, 43, has been with the McAlester Fire Department for 24 years.
His new role also puts him in charge of the city’s fire department personnel for the time being.
Brewer is stationed at the city’s new fourth fire station and emergency response complex on the city’s east side. He still holds his rank of captain while serving in the interim role.
“We’re on the job,” Brewer said this morning before heading to a staff meeting at City Hall. He said things have been running smoothly within the department.
Former Assistant Fire Chief Rivas and former Fire Chief Harold Stewart both recently submitted their resignations to Stasiak.
The city manager said both men had more than 25 years of service with the department and decided to participate in a retirement bonus program that he offered to city employees. They were both eligible for an additional $625 a month for 24 months, in addition to their regular benefits, because they had 25-plus years of service, Stasiak said.
With Stewart resigning first, Rivas continued on and served as acting chief until his retirement became effective last week. The position of both the fire chief and assistant chief are currently empty. Although Brewer is currently in charge of the daily operations, the two positions won’t be officially filled until two individuals are hired specifically for the positions.
For more on this story, see Tuesday's print edition of the McAlester News-Capital. For subscription information call 423-1700.
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
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