The Washougal and Camas city councils could decide in a few weeks to appoint Camas Fire Chief Nick Swinhart as interim chief of the consolidated departments.
The decisions, expected April 2, would change Washougal Fire Chief Ron Schumacher’s title to deputy chief of fire prevention and fire marshal for the departments.
A trial consolidation is in effect through Dec. 31, 2013.
“We’ve been ‘holding hands,’” Washougal Mayor Sean Guard said regarding the trial consolidation during the council workshop last night. “We’ve gone out on a few dates. We are talking about potentially getting engaged.”
Washougal City Administrator David Scott described the trial consolidation as a “highly cooperative arrangement.”
He said there would be no change in the employment status for either Swinhart or Schumacher, as each chief would continue to be employees of their respective cities.