GRIFFITH | Interim Fire Chief Roy Schoon has gotten the job permanently.
Schoon had been serving on an interim basis since longtime chief George Theil retired last year.
The Town Council's action earlier this week followed a recommendation of Schoon from the Safety Board.
Schoon, 53, began as a firefighter with the Lake Ridge Fire Department and has been with the Griffith department since 1986.
He has served as lieutenant, captain, inspector and deputy chief and said he has a certificate in Fire Science from the Indiana Vocational Technical College.
"I've got some projects planned," said Schoon, whose top priority is to have more firefighters at the south end of town.
In the near future, applications will be accepted for additional firefighters, Schoon said.
The fire chief is a part-time position that pays $12,000 per year, said Council Vice President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd.
"George Theil was an outstanding chief and a tremendous civil servant to the people of Griffith," Ryfa said, adding that he is confident in Schoon as Theil's successor.
In other business, Ryfa said Griffith is getting an early start on next year's battle to leave Calumet Township.
Councilmen will head to Indianapolis next week to meet with members of the Indiana House and Senate, Ryfa said.
Ryfa said there is a good possibility that Lake County's delegation to the House will have more Republicans than ever.
"We will be meeting with the majority Republican leadership to set the table for legislation to be introduced from Lake County that will call for township reform for the most abusive townships."
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