SHELBY — The Shelby Fire Department has a new chief.
In a press release Friday morning, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag announced Capt. Samuel Sauder has been selected as the new chief of the Shelby Fire Department following a “comprehensive and rigorous promotional examination process.”
“This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my long tenure as mayor,” Schag said. “We were blessed to have two highly qualified and exceptional candidates applying for this position.”
The second candidate who applied for the chief’s position was Capt. Randall Washburn.
Schag said both Sauder and Washburn represent “the very best” of the department.
“It is widely recognized that Captain Randall Washburn is a truly outstanding and dedicated professional in this field, and his continued leadership will be pivotal as we enter into a period of exciting transition,” the mayor said.
“As longtime members of this department, they have a shared vision to provide the highest level of safety service to our community.”
Sauder’s swearing in to be announced
Back in July, former Shelby fire Chief Mike Thompson announced his decision to leave the fire station and return to the classroom by the end of summer.
Thompson’s final official day with the city came on Aug. 12 after 24-plus years of serving with the Shelby Fire Department. He had been chief since April of 2015.
He now leads Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s new first responder program — leaning on about eight and a half years of background in education.
Shelby fire Capt. Brian Finnegan was sworn in as acting fire chief by Schag on July 30. He officially filled the role at midnight on Aug. 13.
The Shelby Civil Service Commission led the process for administering the testing for the position of fire chief — which was conducted by a third-party agency.
Schag said the city is in the process of finalizing plans for a public swearing in ceremony for Sauder. It will take place at the Shelby Fire Department, 40 High School Ave., on a date to be announced, he said.