Paris Fire Chief Michael Vogel resigned last week after only six months on the job, citing uncertainties and a move that is in his family’s best interest.
“I came here from Arlington Fire Department and made a commitment to former city manager John Godwin,” said Vogel, “and now that he is gone I no longer have that commitment so I re-opened my possibilities.”
Vogel, a 20-year veteran, started with the Paris Fire Department on April 1 and secured several projects that were much needed in the department.
“We were able to get a pay bump for seniority firefighters, our role in emergency medical services enhanced, we got emergency generators at two of the three stations and did a station remodel over the past six months,” said Vogel.
However, he stated that being at a zero budget limits what he could do in the future and strongly believes his firefighters should be on the same pay scale as officers with the Paris Police Department.
“Each job has its own hazards and is both extremely dangerous, however, they are nowhere near the same on the pay scale,” explained Vogel.
Vogel gave his two-week notice on Friday, Sept. 20 and will take a position as assistant fire chief with the Alachua County Fire Rescue in Florida.
“I will miss people in Paris and I will miss the firemen here, I think they are great, but I had to do what is best for my family.”
According to Vogel, an interim fire chief will be named in the near future.
