LONGMONT — When Fire Chief Steve Trunck retires next month, Police Chief Mike Butler will take over his duties — and keep his own — as the city’s new director of public safety.
Rather than have two chiefs, city manager Gordon Pedrow approached Butler about three weeks ago with the idea of one director heading up both the police and fire departments.
Pedrow and Butler said Friday that the move means less bureaucracy, more efficiency and an opportunity to do things a different — and better — way.
“It was an opportunity to look at how we could continue to provide excellent service a different way,” Pedrow said Friday afternoon.
Trunck, who has been with the city since 1987, announced his retirement in late July. He will continue to be the fire chief until his last day on Oct. 10, Pedrow said.
During the next month, Butler said, he and Trunck will work together — and with employees — to make the transition smooth.
“(Trunck) and I have had offices next to each other for 14 years,” Butler said. “We understand what each other does; we’ve shared our stories. (Trunck) is very eager to work with me over the next month.”
Butler acknowledged that some might question whether he’s qualified to head the city’s fire department. But, he pointed out, he has worked hand-in-hand with fire departments and with fire personnel at every level for the past 30 years.
In the e-mail he sent to police and fire employees Friday afternoon, Butler promised to do whatever it takes to learn about fire services, emergency medical services and emergency preparedness.
“I understand some aspects more than others, but because of the talent in the fire department, I’m sure I’ll have time to learn,” he said Friday.
Butler meets regularly with police employees, he said, and he plans to begin meeting with fire employees after Trunck leaves.
Butler stressed that he and other city officials will include employees in decisions about any possible organizational changes — which could include creating a public safety department.
If that were to happen, Butler promised to maintain the identity of both departments.
“I acknowledge that this is an enormous change, one that you probably did not anticipate,” he wrote in an e-mail sent to all police and fire employees Friday afternoon. “I would ask that all of you please be patient with this transition process and with me.”
Pedrow and Butler still are discussing Butler’s compensation for the new position.
