Brian Lepper (left) accepts the fire chief helmet from Ron Slicer. (Contributed photo)

For the City-Times

Brian Lepper became the Village of Park Ridge Fire Chief on Monday- made official by the “passing of the hat” from outgoing chief Ronald Slicer.

Slicer has been chief for the past decade, but is not retiring from the department.

Lepper was hired by the Village of Park Ridge Board in April.

“While somewhat intimidating, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead of me, the Fire Department, and the Village Board,” said Lepper.

Lepper said his two biggest concerns were tight budgets and a shrinking roster.

“The budget ultimately comes down to what the residents are willing to support, but staffing is something that will take the efforts of many and certainly is not an issue specific to the Village of Park Ridge,” he said.

Lepper also said he’s glad Slicer is staying with the department, which is comprised of volunteers.

“After 30 plus years Ron has done wonders for this department,” Lepper said. “Whether it is a relationship he has built with a vendor or his vast mechanical knowledge, I’m glad he’s hanging around.”

Lepper comes to the department with 20 years of emergency services experience, having been trained as a first responder by his former employer Consolidated Papers. By the mid- 1990’s he joined the Portage County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer Rescue Squad, then moving to the Town of Dewey Volunteer Fire Department, where he remains today as a captain. Lepper is also in charge of the Dewey Emergency Medical Response Unit, which he started in 2001.

Lepper is also Vice-President of the Portage County EMS Association, holds a seat on the Portage County Public Safety Communications Board, and is a member of the Portage County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Lepper and his family reside in the City of Stevens Point and is employed by Sentry Insurance.