Ypsilanti appoints interim chief to head fire department
The city of Ypsilanti has named an interim chief of the fire department to replace outgoing Chief Jon Ichesco.
Captain Max Anthouard was named interim chief Thursday, according to City Manager Ralph Lange.
"This announcement was made in person by me to the majority of the members of the Ypsilanti Fire Department," Lange said. "This appointment will be effective Jan. 1, 2013."
The city of Ypsilanti has appointed Captain Max Anthouard interim chief of the fire department.
Courtesy Captain Max Anthouard
Ichesco's last day is Dec. 31. Ichesco has served as chief for about five years and he submitted a letter of intent to retire Sept. 24. Ichesco announced his retirement plans in October. To cut costs, Ichesco has served as both fire chief and fire marshal. It is not yet clear if Anthouard will be asked to do the same.
Anthouard has been a firefighter for 37 years, 19 of which were with Ypsilanti and the rest in Paris, France. Anthouard was promoted to captain in 2008.
Anthouard said he was "really excited" to be appointed interim while the search for a permanent chief continues. Anthouard has applied for that position.
"I won't be the interim chief for a long time, but I will be able to evaluate if I like the schedule and like the job," Anthouard said.
The change in leadership comes almost two months after an announcement that the number of firefighters per shift shift was being reduced from 5 to 4, prompting Ichesco to say that the change may reduce the level of service the department can provide.
By the end of the year, the department will have 15 people on staff.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
not a billy
Sat, Dec 22, 2012 : 6:15 a.m.
Congratulations to retiring Chief Jon Ichesco on his retirement. Jon has been an excellent chief for the last five years, truly dedicated to maintaining the professionalism of YFD during some difficult financial times. He has served teh city well. Congratulations to Captain Max Anthouard on his interim appointment. Amazing that the City of Ypsilanti chose the best candidate among the ranks to lead the department, albeit on a potentially short term basis. Very level headed, sets the bar high, uses common sense over the machoism that others try to display. A thinking person, not a bull in a china shop.
jondhall
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Promote from within whenever possible, that is the way The Government normal works. If he is a Captain already he knows responsibility.
James
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
Congratulations Max, best of luck with the challenges ahead!