Excerpts from theWoodstockindependent.com:
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District has hired Capt. Michael Hill, a 20-year WFRD veteran, to take over for Chief Ralph Webster when Webster retires Oct. 1.
A lifelong resident of Woodstock and a graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, Hill became a commissioned firefighter in 2003 as part of the first group of firefighters to be hired by WFRD as full-time employees. In 1993, he started as a part-time employee for the fire district before taking a hiatus to earn a master’s degree in computer science. He attended the National Fire Academy and is completing the Executive Fire Officer Program, the highest certification offered to fire officers.
Hill said he would like WFRD to become more proactive toward fire prevention when he becomes chief.
Internally, Hill said he will focus on fiscal responsibility and improving efficiency. The district is facing a loss of revenue expected to exceed $800,000, fueled mostly by the loss of a $750,000 contract to serve the Village of Lakewood. WFRD’s deputy chief position was eliminated in May.
Webster is leaving his post two years before the end of his contract, a move WFRD officials have said is a cost-saving measure. Webster said he will stay on with the district for five to seven months to help with the transition.
Hill will earn an annual salary of $125,000. His swearing-in ceremony will be at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the WFRD Raffel Road fire station, 2900 Raffel Road.
