The Chelsea Area Fire Authority (CAFA) has a new interim fire chief in place.
The CAFA Board announced in a press release on July 27 that the “Chelsea Area Fire Authority is beginning a new chapter following the finalization of a separation agreement between Fire Chief Robert Arbini and the Chelsea Area Fire Authority on June 14th.”
The Sun Times News asked if there were any specific reasons for the agreement to come about.
The board said, “CAFA will respect the privacy of those involved and will not further comment on employment matters.”
Arbini had served as chief since 2017.
It was on July 21, the CAFA Board appointed Jon Ichesco to serve temporarily as Interim Fire Chief.
“Chief Ichesco brings over 30 years of experience as a firefighter, fire marshall, and fire chief throughout Washtenaw County, and has strong ties to the Chelsea community,” the CAFA Board said in its press release.
“I have had the privilege of helping lead CAFA through a transition before, and I am honored to return and support the department during this important time,” said Interim Chief Ichesco said in the press release. “I know this organization, I know the strength of its firefighters, and I believe deeply in the service they provide.”
The interim chief will work closely with the CAFA Board, command staff, firefighters, and member communities during this initial transition period, the CAFA Board said.
The next steps in this transition will see the CAFA Board engaging a professional recruiting firm to conduct a comprehensive search for CAFA’s next permanent fire chief. The board said additional information regarding the longer-term interim appointment and permanent recruitment process will be shared as decisions and timelines are finalized.
“This is an opportunity to support our firefighters and thoughtfully build CAFA’s next chapter,” said CAFA Board Chair George Merkel in the press release. “Our Board is committed to stability, transparency, and a careful leadership-selection process. We are also proud of the energy, optimism, and service within the department and confident in the team carrying CAFA forward.”
Most importantly, CAFA remains strong, the board said.
“While its leadership is changing, the experienced core group of firefighters serving the Authority’s communities remains firmly in place,” the board said in its press release. “Their knowledge, dedication, and steadiness will continue to guide the department throughout this transition and well into the future.”
Another important point of emphasis, the board said fire protection and emergency response services remain fully operational, with no interruption in service, as it continues to serve the City of Chelsea and Lima, Lyndon, and Sylvan townships.
Further updates will be provided by the CAFA Board as the transition process moves forward.
Photo: CAFA’s Fire Station in downtown Chelsea. Sun Times News Archive Photo
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
