Wiggins Accepts Fire Chief, Parks Superintendent Resignations
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins accepted the resignations Friday of two department heads. The resignations are effective Jan. 1, and are for Warsaw Fire Chief Mike Rice and Warsaw Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jon Garber. Department heads are appointed by the mayor. Mayor-elect Joe Thallemer said he will announce his appointment for the new fire chief at the Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Territory Board meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday at city hall. Thallemer will announce his appointment for Garber’s replacement at the Dec. 16 Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting that begins at 10:30 a.m. at city hall. Rice will be stepping down after 21 years of service to the city. He has served as firefighter, assistant chief, and most recently as chief, a position he has held for the past 5-1/2 years. Rice led the department through the transition to a fire territory in 2009. He also has been responsible for the growth of the Family Safety Day community education program. “I am very appreciative of the service and dedication Mike has given to not only me, but the public as well,” Wiggins said. Garber also will retire after the first of the year. Garber began his career with the city in 1987. Throughout Garber's career, several new parks and many new programs have evolved. This year, a five-year master plan was completed. Facilities updates, safety and programs have punctuated his career.“Although I am retiring from employment with City of Warsaw, I am not ‘retiring’ from my commitment and dedication to this community,” Garber said. Wiggins said Garber’s dedication and commitment to the park department has been valuable. “He, along with his staff, have worked hard to create enjoyment of our facilities and programs,” Wiggins said.
