Resignation leaves village searching for fire chief

Saukville Fire Chief Thad Trinko has resigned from the department that he joined last November.

The village Finance Committee met in closed session Tuesday, July 14, to discuss Trinko’s resignation, which was accepted by the Village Board without discussion.

According to a village press release, Trinko’s resignation is effective immediately. 

“The Village Board is examining the best options in addressing the fire chief vacancy due to Chief Trinko’s departure and will determine a course of action in the near future,” the press release stated.

Trinko was chosen from among five finalists, including three members of the department, to lead it following the retirement of former Chief Gilly Schultz.

Trinko came from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., where he had served 37 years with the fire department there.

The press release did not indicate why Trinko resigned  but stated that he and his wife plan to move back to Lake Havasu City.

“I have no additional comments over what was in the press release you received,” Trinko said in an email.

“Chief Trinko made several improvements to the Saukville Fire Department during his service with the village,” the press release stated.

“These included addressing firefighter safety issues, improving fire and (emergency medical service) training, improving incident reporting systems and updating standard operating procedures and policies.

“An additional challenge during Chief Trinko’s tenure was adapting to the Covid Stay at Home guidelines and adjusting the way the department trained and responded to emergencies while those guidelines were in place.”

Trinko’s hiring was followed by several retirements of longtime members of the department, creating a shake-up in its leadership. 

A study completed last year by a consultant for the village concluded the department was top heavy, with more officers than usual for a department its size.

The study also concluded that the department has a high degree of dedication and pride but that improvements were needed in personnel policy development and training of administrative staff.