ESSEX — The Essex Board of Fire Engineers have selected one of their own to replace Ramie Reader after he stepped down this week as Essex’s top firefighter.
That firefighter is Lt. Christian Hassel, who was elected Wednesday evening by a unanimous 3-0 vote of the Board of Fire Engineers.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to new fire Chief Christin Hassel,” Selectmen Chairwoman Ruth Pereen said. “I know he will do a great job. We’re lucky to have him.”
Selectmen appoint the three members of the Board of Fire Engineers and then the Fire Engineers elect a chief from within their board.
On Monday, selectmen accepted Reader’s resignation from the Board of Fire Engineers, then appointed him as a firefighter/EMT “since he plans to stay on with the department in that capacity,” Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki said.
Selectmen appointed Hassel to the Board of Fire Engineers to replace Ramie. The other board members are Deputy Fire Chief Ernest “Ernie” Nieberle and Deputy Fire Chief David Pereen.
During his tenure in the part-time position, Reader earned a stipend of $15,904 per year, plus an hourly wage when he worked.
“The arrangement will be the same for the new chief,” Zubricki said Tuesday.
Ramie said he stepped down from the chief’s position to devote more time to his electrical business. He said the position of chief calls for someone who can devote more to the job.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.