Three apply to become next fire chief in town of Peralta

PERALTA — The Peralta Town Council approved a paid fire chief position more than three months after the volunteer chief, John Dear, retired from the position on July 1.

Since Dear announced his retirement as chief at the June council meeting, the council has held two executive sessions to discuss appointments for the volunteer position, but did not appoint a volunteer chief.

According to Dear, the department voted to have his son, Kyle Dear, be appointed as his successor.

The council confirmed Kyle Dear was interviewed for the position during the July meeting, but said they were waiting on more applicants before announcing the new chief.

“I thank Mr. (Kyle) Dear for coming into the interview, for his willingness to take on the position, his dedication and he is highly considered for this position,” Mayor Bryan Olguin said following the second executive session on July 26. “I think maybe we put our best foot forward, do our due diligence and see where it takes us. I think we can do this in a very timely fashion.”

The News-Bulletin requested the applications for everyone who threw their name in the hat to be named Peralta’s next fire chief.

Kyle Dear, along with two other local firefighters, have applied for the chief position.

The applicants are Jerrett Fleming, who has worked with the Valencia County Fire Department for the past 14 years.

Jeremy Fiedler is the current fire marshal in Bosque Farms.

Kyle Dear has volunteered for the Peralta Fire Department since 2008.

The town asked applicants to have a high school diploma, the fire basic training academy completed, seven years experience in fire and emergency medical service, including three years of supervisory experience.

A salary for the position has yet to be determined by the town council.

Applications for the position are now closed, but a deciding date has not yet been set by the council.

The next meeting will take place at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Peralta Town Hall.