Morton County commissioners revise fire chief job description, plan outreach to volunteers and municipal chiefs

Morton County Commissioners reviewed and made a single, unspecified change to the interim Fire Chief job description during a special meeting on Jan. 17, 2026. Commissioners said they plan to interview applicants, send a survey to volunteer firefighters, and seek recommendations from each city’s fire chief as part of the recruitment process for the permanent position.

The county attorney had requested the meeting because of dry weather and high winds that raised fire danger. Commissioners discussed who had shown interest in applying and who had declined to apply; they also agreed to contact local stakeholders for input. The board authorized contacting Elkhart Fire Chief Mike Rodriguez to ask whether he would serve as interim if he chose not to apply; Rodriguez accepted the short-term role while the application and statutory process continue.