Five new faces have taken director-level positions in Grand Island in the past year, and city officials say they may have to go through that hiring process again soon.
Fire Chief Troy Hughes has worked in the Grand Island Fire Department for nearly 27 years.
"This is just a great city, a lot of good people to work with," Hughes says.
But Hughes is now one of four finalists for a fire chief position in Davenport, Iowa. He says there are a lot of factors to take into consideration when looking at a new position.
"Retirement's a big part of what we have to look at, so looking at what kind of retirement system that particular state has is very important," Hughes says.
He says having a daughter, son-in-law and grandson living about 100 miles from Davenport is another important factor.
If Hughes is offered the position and accepts it, city officials say finding a new chief to take his place would take at least three months.
Human Resources Director Brenda Sutherland says it's a lengthy process.
"You advertise and you recruit, then you start doing background checks and you start kind of narrowing the field a little bit and then you bring folks in and then you would go through the testing process," Sutherland says.
Fire fighters and community members say Hughes would be tough to replace.
"He's gone above and beyond the call of duty in writing grants and getting the training that is needed for this department," Captain Ron Zook says.
Zook says the department would miss Hughes' leadership and dedication.
Hughes is also active in a number of organizations in the community. Karen Rathke, president of Heartland United Way, says he's been an integral part of her organization.
"He just knows what it takes to get things done and has a great big heart and a desire to make a difference," Rathke says.
But she says they'll support whatever decision he makes.
"If there's an opportunity that will really help him in his career, and in his personal life as well, then we wish him all the luck," Rathke says.
Hughes says he expects Davenport officials to make their decision next week. Some of those city officials spent time in Grand Island this week talking to people who have worked with Chief Hughes.
