Aug. 17--Applications came in from across the country, but Bernalillo County found its next fire chief closer to home.
Interim Fire Chief Frank Barka won unanimous confirmation from the County Commission on Friday for the permanent job.
Barka's been a firefighter for 31 years. He started as a volunteer firefighter in the South Valley and became a deputy fire chief in 2008.
Before that, he was fire chief of Valencia County from 1994 to 2004.
"This is a passion of mine," Barka told commissioners shortly after his confirmation.
He said he missed being on the front lines but was honored to lead the county's 244 firefighters. He said he hopes to make the department the best in the Southwest.
County Manager Tom Zdunek recommended Bar-ka for the job. The county received 32 applications from all over the country.
Zdunek said he was impressed with Barka's proficiency in wildland firefighting, a critical skill in drought-stricken New Mexico. He also praised Barka's ability to work with other agencies and his strong showing in the job interview.
The County Commission didn't discuss any other applicants during Friday's special meeting.
"You were the top candidate, and we're proud to have you," Commission Chairwoman Maggie Hart Stebbins told Barka after the vote.
Barka replaces John Garcia, who retired as fire chief last summer. Garcia was on hand to pin the chief's new rank onto his uniform.
Barka now makes $100,125 a year, and the county is still negotiating what his new salary will be.
Copyright 2013 - Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
