The Homer Volunteer Fire Department has a new interim fire chief. Robert Purcell originally joined the Homer Fire Department as a volunteer in 1979 and eventually served as fire chief. He retired from the department in 1999 before working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In a press release, City manager Katie Koester said she could not express how pleased she was to have Purcell’s knowledge and experience returning to the department this week.
Purcell will work to update the city’s emergency operations plan and craft a recovery plan.
The fire department is currently looking for a permanent fire chief and assistant fire chief. The city announced recently that former Chief Terry Kadel is no longer with the department. The city did not explain the reason for his departure.
In the interest of full disclosure, Purcell is a KBBI board member.
