(Update, Grand Rapids, September 28, 2004, 4:46 p.m.) A 30-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Fire Department has taken over as chief.
John Van Solkema, a 51-year-old second generation firefighter, was named Tuesday morning to take the reins of the department. The department's former chief, Mike Burton, left earlier this year to become the leader of the fire department in Greenville, North Carolina.
Van Solkema faces many challenges including an ever shrinking budget, and demands of unions and politicians. Recent budget cuts have forced some major changes in the way the department staffs the city's 11 fire stations. Overtime alone has cost the city $300,000 so far this year. "That's been the biggest focus...to better use the resources that we have," said Van Solkema.
Van Solkema has held just about every rank since joining the department in 1974. As deputy chief and later interim chief, Van Solkema helped put together a plan that ended a long standing agreement between the city and the firefighters union that required 57 firefighters on duty at all times. That practice helped doubled overtime costs for the city so far this year. A more flexible plan will allow the city to fill in the gaps without overtime.
Van Solkema is also coming up with ideas to bring in money, including the possibility of charging for some non-emergency services, like inspections and building plan reviews. "There are a variety of departments that charge a variety of fees. It's something we're going to explore," says Van Solkema.
Van Solkema becomes the first chief in 20 years to be appointed from within the department, a move that has made unions leaders happy. "I think it's good to have somebody from within, that's come through the ranks...understands our needs and our goals, maybe will take us down the right road," said Local 366 President Tony Beurkens.
Despite his promotion, Van Solkema says he has no plans to move from his home near Spring Lake, a drive he says he can make in under 20 minutes. City employees, including department heads, are not required to live in the city. Van Solkema says the department deputy chiefs can respond to emergencies after hours as well.
For now, he says he will continue driving his city owned vehicle to and from home. "I've offered that if it's a political problem, I could take my own car home. It really wouldn't matter," he said.
