Chief’s work in Saukville gets OK from board

Grafton Fire Chief Bill Rice will be taking over administrative duties for the Saukville Fire Department, which he said could be a sign of a future consolidation between other area departments.

“We had many meetings between officials from Saukville and officials from Grafton to see if it is feasible,” Rice said.

“We think it’s a good idea, and we are hoping the two departments can get together and review some of their strengths and weaknesses.”

In July, Saukville Fire Department Chief Thad Trinko abruptly resigned. Since then, the Village of Saukville has been seeking someone to oversee the department.

On Monday, the Grafton Village Board unanimously approved the intergovernmental agreement. 

The agreement doesn’t mean Grafton fire engines and ambulances will cover Saukville, but the departments will share management resources, and Rice will address Saukville issues on an as-needed basis. 

Rice said department consolidations are not only gaining popularity in the fire service industry but are becoming a necessity because of the lack of volunteer staffing. 

This is an opportunity for Grafton to show leadership, Village Administrator Jesse Thyes said.

Services that Rice will provide to Saukville include overseeing personnel, training, budget, incident command and daily operations, according to an intergovernmental agency agreement approved two weeks ago by Saukville trustees.

According to the agreement, the Village of Saukville will pay the Village of Grafton $300 per week for Rice’s services. 

Rice said he is interested in the opportunity and looks forward to working with Saukville Assistant Chief Jason Laabs.

“I’m very optimistic that we are also going to find opportunities to work together and potentially improve services and save some money,” Rice said. 

The agreement is expected to last until April 2021 or until Saukville finds a permanent chief. The agreement also has a 30-day termination clause. 

“We are kind of in uncharted waters. If either community is unhappy with the results, they can get out of it,” Rice said.