Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz has resigned from his position with the City of Battle Creek.
City Manager Rebecca Fleury accepted Schmaltz’s resignation Thursday. Chief Schmaltz’s last day is being coordinated with the city manager, and a transition plan is being developed.
Schmaltz served as the city’s fire chief for just over four years, since February of 2014. He took a leave of absence starting Feb. 20 of this year, requesting time to focus on his personal well-being, and consider his future options.
Fleury immediately will begin the search for the city’s next fire chief, and anticipates engaging a third-party firm for assistance.
“We are thankful for Chief Schmaltz’s leadership and work with the Fire Department during his tenure with us,” Fleury said. “We wish him well, and we will engage in an open and inclusive process to find the next leader for our skilled and capable Fire Department team.”
In the interim, Police Chief Jim Blocker will continue to serve as the director of fire and police services for the city.