Above, Bob Finn (right), seen here with former Chief Tracey Kujawa, has been acting chief for the Stevens Point Fire Department since May. Finn is one of three finalists for the position of chief, as announced today by the Police & Fire Commission. (City-Times photo)

By Brandi Makuski

The Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission on Wednesday announced three finalists for the position of Stevens Point Fire Chief.

Randy Banker is from Batabia, Illinois and has worked for the fire department there for 25 years. Banker is currently the deputy chief and was instrumental in putting together a joint operation training center for 8 area fire departments in Kane County. Banker has a Bachelor of Science from Columbia University, as well as experience in the National Fire Academy.

Kraig Biefeld of Watertown, Wisconsin has held the position of that city’s assistant fire chief since 2008. Biefeld also served as acting fire chief for 9 months during 2010 and 2011 when the its chief was placed on administrative leave after being investigated for inappropriate behavior while on duty. Biefeld was also a finalist in Marshfield’s search for a new chief. He’s also the current director of EMS.

Robert Finn is currently the interim chief, having stepped into the spot after former Chief Tracey Kujawa took a job in Wausau earlier this year. Finn has been with the department since October 2007. Prior to that he was with the Westchester, Illinois Fire Department for 27 years.

PRF President Dave Shleis said there’s no timeline but hopes the interview process would be complete and a candidate chosen by the end of September.