By Rodd Cayton
Bernalillo County is asking the public to help find the right person to serve as its next fire chief.
Community members are invited to a community input session Monday. URE Consulting, a firm that specializes in executive recruiting services for police and fire agencies, plans to gather feedback from residents about their priorities and the leadership qualities they would like to see in the next fire chief.
The nationwide search comes after acting Chief Greg Perez was named deputy county manager of the Public Safety Division. Perez will continue to serve as acting fire chief until a replacement is selected. Perez led Bernalillo County Fire Rescue for nearly seven years.
“Chief Perez’s dedication and commitment to fire and rescue will leave a lasting impact on the county and the community,” County Manager Cindy Chavez said in a news release. “We will now look nationwide to ensure that we find the best candidate to build upon the strong foundation he leaves behind. In the meantime, we appreciate his continued leadership as acting chief until a successor is selected.”
The listening session is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers at Alvarado Square, 415 Silver Ave. SW.