Shelby Township Approves One-Year, $104,500 Contract for Fire Chief

After eight months of performing the duties of Shelby Township Fire Chief, the township board has officially granted Chief of Training Lt. James Swinkowski a contract and title to match.

Swinkowski, who was was appointed Acting Fire Chief in May following former Fire Chief Gene Shepherd's death, has accepted a one-year contract for the position with an option to extend or terminate the agreement on Dec. 31.

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Supervisor Richard Stathakis said nine candidates from within the fire department took the Civil Service Commission’s written and oral test as part of the application process for the position, with Swinkowski posting the high score.

As fire chief, Swinkowski will receive an annual salary of $104,500, plus benefits. However, he will no longer be eligible to receive overtime.

“He is a delightful person to work with and he has big shoes to fill but he will fill them indeed,” Stathakis said.

The board of trustees voted unanimously to promote Swinkowski to the position of fire chief. The promotion is effective Jan. 16.

Contract Highlights:

• Effective Jan. 16, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2013, subject to extension or termination as provided in the agreement. 
• Earns $104,500 annual salary, but exempt from overtime
• Health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Receives five weeks (25 working days) vacation time, 96 hours of sick leave per contract year and short term/long term disability
• $150,000 life insurance policy 
• Eligible for retirement upon reaching 50 years of age and 25 years of service, and defined benefit pension program
• $1,000 uniform allowance

The full contract is available online within the Jan. 15 meeting agenda.