The Superior Police and Fire Commission decided Wednesday night that Assistant Fire Chief Tad Matheson will be appointed acting chief when Stephen Gotelaere retires.
Gotelaere, Superior fire chief for 13 years, signed an agreement with the city last week to retire after it was discovered that he falsified mileage reports and a travel request. The agreement also required Gotelaere to forgo or pay back any money gained through the false documentation.
During a closed session Wednesday, the Police and Fire Commission reviewed Gotelaere's retirement letter and a letter from Superior Mayor Dave Ross recommending that Matheson lead the department until the position is filled.
Superior Police and Fire Commission President Alan Kurtz said Matheson has been acting chief previously when Gotelaere was away and has been reliable and responsible. The mayor had similar things to say about the assistant chief.
Matheson has served the Superior Fire Department for 29 years, spending the past four as assistant chief. He said he's as ready as he can be to take on the responsibilities of chief.
"It's a tough situation for me," he said. "It's an unfortunate thing that happened, but we'll continue to serve the Superior public the best we can."
Matheson said the department is still doing business as usual, but some firefighters believe there are now uncertainties.
"We're still doing training and going to fires, but there's kind of a cloud hanging over the department," he said.
Matheson said he plans to apply for fire chief. Leading the department is something he has worked toward throughout his career, he said.
When asked when his last day as chief will be, Gotelaere declined comment.
Distributed by the Associated Press
