By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
City of Burlington officials announced Tuesday that Alan Babe, a 21-year veteran of the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department, will be the city’s new fire chief.
Babe “worked his way up through the ranks,” according to a news release issued by the city Tuesday morning, serving as a firefighter, captain and assistant chief before coming chief. He has also served two terms as the president of the Racine County Fire Chief’s Association.
Babe replaces interim chief Mark Strasser, who replaced Perry Howard – who resigned right before Christmas in 2015 after numerous personnel conflicts. Babe is scheduled to be sworn in June 21 at the Common Council meeting following the official approval of his hiring.
He said Tuesday that his first day of work will be July 5.
“This is the perfect time in my life,” Babe said. “I’m very excited.”
That sentiment was shared by city officials.
“I’m really excited about Alan joining the team,” said City Administrator Carina Walters. “He’s really well-respected around the county.
“I know the fire department is really excited,” she added. “As well as the Police and Fire Commission and the (Common) Council.”
Howard’s last day was June 4. Babe said one of his first tasks will be getting to know his officer staff, including Strasser and Deputy Chief William McCourt.
He met a large number of fire and rescue squad members Tuesday night at the firehouse.
Walters said she expected Babe would be able to bring unity to the Fire Department and the Rescue Squad, which work out of the same building.
“I certainly think Alan is a bridge-builder, and Alan is ready to continue building those bridges with other agencies and jurisdictions,” Walters said.
The other finalists for the job were Town of Burlington Fire Chief Ed Umnus, Burlington Area Rescue Squad Chief Brian Zwiebel, as well as Scott Kugel and Brian Harbison.
Rod Feltner, from McHenry, Ill., dropped out of consideration the week of the assessment center, which was May 17 and 19.
Babe said Tuesday he had already spoken with Umnus and Zwiebel.
“I have a lot of respect for both of them,” he said.
Babe also said he’s worked well with the fire chiefs within the county, and expects that to continue.
“I have a very good working relationship with the other chiefs in the county,” he explained.
A life-long resident of the area – born and raised in Raymond, and also where he lives now – Babe spoke highly of Burlington.
“It’s a wonderful community,” he said.
He added that he would be working to set up 30-, 60- and 90-day action plans while he learns the layout of the city and gets settled.
“I’ve got to get to know a whole new department,” he said.
Editor’s note: The print version of the Racine County Southern Lakes Newspapers reads “assistant chief” and will be corrected next week.
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