Santa Ana : Firm Chosen to Search U.S. for New Fire Chief

A recruiting firm will be paid as much as $12,000 to select a new fire chief to replace William Reimer, who went on disability leave last January.

After considering bids from 14 recruitment firms, Santa Ana chose Ralph Andersen and Associates of Sacramento to conduct a nationwide search for a new chief. City officials said they expect to have the job filled before November.

Andersen will screen a preliminary list of candidates and provide the city with six to 12 names, said Alex Sanchez, Santa Ana human resources director. Additional funds have been budgeted to pay for various other expenses involved in the recruitment, he said, including travel expenses for the finalists.

The job comes with a salary range from $57,153 to $76,884, he said.

Reimer, who had been criticized by the Fire Department rank and file for allegedly meting out heavy-handed discipline and installing unpopular programs such as the civilianization of the paramedic corps, went on disability leave for undisclosed reasons and has not returned. The San Diego area resident has been unavailable for comment since his departure.

In May, the position of assistant to the city manager was created and Reimer was reportedly offered the job, which would have included overseeing the development of a new fire and police training facility. The city said Reimer has not responded to the offer.