FeedsFire chief asked to resign
Mark Nicholai, the former fire chief for Van Buren Township, has resigned.
Effective last Monday, Nicholai’s employment with the township was terminated, however, officials—including Township Supervisor Cindy King and Jerry Champagne, director of the public safety department—were not forthcoming as ton whether Nicholai was asked to resign or if the decision was his.
“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you anything with regard to the fire chief other than he is no longer employed with Van Buren effective Monday, April 14,” said King. “I can’t comment yet about what happened, perhaps soon, but under the advice of legal counsel, I can’t.”
King did say that there has not been a lawsuit filed.
Nicholai could not be reached for comment, however, his wife, Michelle Nicholai, said he cannot talk at this time due to conditions in the letter of resignation he signed.
“We were asked not discuss anything so no comment at this time,” she said. “What I can say is that Mark (Nicholai) was there for the citizens and for the firefighters during his time as fire chief in Van Buren Township.”
Nicholai, a former fire commander in Pittsfield Township with more than 23 years in the fire field, was hired and approved for the spot by the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees in August 2006. He was chosen from 36 candidates both inside and outside the State of Michigan. After the prescreening of resumes, Nicholai was one of seven chosen for interviews. He was considered the top candidate after the interview process, according to a past statement by Champagne.
Nicholai was previously employed as a senior paramedic with the Huron Valley Ambulance before working his way up through the ranks as a firefighter to the eventual promotion to commander.
He was also an established trainer and instructor at the Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team, which services Van Buren Township, according to officials.
Prior to Nicholai, the former fire chief and deputy director of public safety Al Smolen, resigned after more than 14 years with the township to pursue new opportunities.
The next step is to provide a resume plan to fill the vacant position, King said.
“It will go to the township board of trustees and I don’t see why they wouldn’t want the position filled,” she said.
King said she suspects the issue it will be on the agenda for the May 6 township board meeting.
“I expect to move forward soon to fill the position,” she said.
Past requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent training, as well as education in fire safety and management. The salary range was $68,000-$71,000, but is negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.
