SHELBY — Brian Finnegan will wake up with a new level of responsibility on Aug. 13.
A Shelby Fire Department captain, Finnegan was sworn in as acting fire chief by Mayor Steve Schag on July 30. He will officially fill the role at midnight on Aug. 13.
Finnegan is a Shelby High School graduate and a member of the Shelby Fire Department since November 1995. He was promoted to captain in July 2009.
The shift in leadership stems from the recent announcement of outgoing Chief Mike Thompson’s retirement. Thompson’s last day at the High School Avenue station was July 31. His last day with the city will be Aug. 12.
After more than 24 years with Shelby fire, Thompson will be leading new first responder program this upcoming school year at Pioneer Career and Technology Center.
State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) recently delivered a proclamation to Thompson on his final day at the station. He was also presented with a golden axe during a retiree breakfast provided by Shelby Firefighters Local 2492 members.
Next steps
The Shelby Civil Service Commission will meet Friday at 9 a.m. to continue planning for administering the testing for the position of fire chief — which is conducted by a third-party agency.
On Monday, Schag said there are two individuals who have expressed interest in testing to be Shelby fire’s next chief.
“The civil service commission is moving forward with their plans for testing deliberately and expeditiously,” the mayor said. “We know that we don’t want to drag our feet on this, but we want to pick the right assessment agency.”
Update on 1870’s firehouse sale
In other Shelby fire news, Joe Gies, the city’s project coordinator, provided City Council with an update Monday regarding the sale process for the city’s 1870’s firehouse.
Gies announced that proposals are being accepted for parties interested in purchasing the historic piece of downtown property.
Sealed proposals will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Sept. 2., he said. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The city is using the Shelby Community Improvement Corporation as the agent in the sale of the property.
“It’s (partnering with the CIC) been a formula that has been successful in selling properties in the past in ways that are advantageous to all parties involved,” Schag said previously in November 2024.
A map of the property available for purchase and proposal information is detailed on the city’s website.
