Oregon s assistant chief to lead fire department

11/14/2006

Oregon s assistant fire chief is taking over as head of the fire department early next year.

Oregon City Council last night concurred unanimously with Mayor Marge Brown s recommendation to promote Bill Wilkins to lead the fire department, beginning Jan. 31. When he starts his new position, his salary will jump from $68,600 to $74,000 annually.

Assistant Chief Wilkins was hired as assistant fire chief earlier this year. But over the last several months, he has been groomed to lead the department when Fire Chief Ray Walendzak retires Jan. 30. Assistant Chief Wilkins has 20 years of experience as a firefighter. His most recent position was chief of the Defiance Fire Department.