MASON CITY – The City of Mason City is pleased to announce the selection of the next Mason City Fire Chief. City Administrator Aaron Burnett has recommended the hiring of Burlington Fire Department Battalion Chief Erik Bullinger as our next chief, and will present the appointment to the Mason City Council for their approval at a special meeting next week.
The Fire Chief position has been vacant since late 2017, and Doug Janssen has been serving as Interim Fire Chief. In June and early July six candidates were interviewed by City Staff and an external assessment panel conducted by Cayler Consulting. After the withdrawal of Jon Anderson from consideration, extensive discussions have been underway with Erik Bullinger, another leading finalist from the interview process. These efforts culminated with a final interview with Mr. Bullinger yesterday. Mr. Burnett has made the decision that Erik Bullinger will be an outstanding candidate to become the next Mason City Fire Chief.
Mr. Bullinger is a Burlington, IA native, and has been a member of the Burlington Fire Department for the past 14 years. He has served as a Fire Captain in the department and currently serves as a Battalion Chief. Mr. Bullinger has a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science-Administration from Columbia Southern University, an Associate’s degree in Paramedicine from Southeastern Community College, and has attended the National Emergency Training Center.
If approved by the City Council, Mr. Bullinger will assume his new position with the Mason City Fire Department on August 27, 2018. Doug Janssen will continue to perform as the Interim Fire Chief until that time.
Mason City Adminstrator Aaron Burnett said in a statement, “We are excited to welcome Erik Bullinger into his new position. Mr. Bullinger utilizes a progressive approach that encompasses the welcoming of new ideas, empowerment of staff, and a focus on continuous improvement of processes. We are confident that Mr. Bullinger will lead the department to even greater success in the coming years.”
