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Hernando Today

Rampino Could Take Over Chief Duties

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By TONY HOLT

Published: February 23, 2008

SPRING HILL - SPRING HILL -

When Mike Rampino returns from vacation, he will have a lot waiting for him.

The third in command at Spring Hill Fire Rescue became second in command when Chief J.J. Morrison resigned last week.

In his letter to the chairman of the fire commission, Morrison recommended Rampino take over the Spring Hill Fire Rescue's day-to-day operations, so now he stands atop the totem pole.

Fire commissioners still need to vote on the matter Wednesday, but the feeling among district employees is that promoting Rampino is the right course of action.

"I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it," said union president Troy Hagar, who suggested to the board last month that a widespread search be conducted to find the best person for the job. "That's probably going to be the situation until November."

Considering the district's status is in limbo for the next nine months, Hagar and others are content with an internal adjustment among the rank and file.

"It would be extra tough for someone who does not know this area or does not know the history," Hagar said.

It was the union president last month who suggested the board consider a thorough search. The suggestion came after fire commissioners implied no one would take the job outside of the district.

"I just didn't see any harm in seeing what we could attract," Hagar said, referring to the statements he made during the meeting. "I'm not recommending that no one be moved up."

The consensus today is that if a search is conducted, it should be delayed until after Election Day, Nov. 4.

That is when Spring Hill residents will vote on whether the district should remain dependent with the county or operate independently.

Just in the last year, the county and the district have been involved in a number of conflicts. Last spring, the fire board was one vote away from being dissolved by county commissioners. A few months later, a payroll dispute caused the district's assets to be temporarily frozen.

Such unrest could become a deterrent for some candidates. That is why many in the district prefer to promote someone from within and give him the interim tag.

"The best way to solve this problem is to hire internally," said fire commissioner Leo Jacobs. "You need to find someone who understands what's going on in the district."

Jacobs said Rampino is a "good person" who knows the ins and outs of the department and has vast experience dealing with money management because he has run his own contracting company.

Rampino was out of town Friday and could not be reached for comment.

Assistant Chief Bill Davies, who is one notch above Rampino in the chain of command, has said he is not interested in the chief position.

In his letter last week, Morrison stated he first offered the interim job to Davies, but he turned it down. The chief then turned to Rampino.

Fire commissioner George Biro wrote in a letter last month asking his colleagues to select Rampino as interim chief until November.

Chairman Charles Raborn would not reveal where he stands on the chief issue, but said he was interested in keeping the district "moving forward."

"We're not in turmoil," he said assuredly. "We're in good shape."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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