According to state laws, the remaining fire district commissioners must appoint someone to serve as a commissioner until November 2011.  At that time, the appointed commissioner must run in the general election to continue to serve the remainder of Westerman’s term that expires in 2015. 

Fire commissioners are the governing body of the fire district and are responsible for general administrative functions.  They create the budget and manage the finances for the district.  They also provide strategic planning and are involved in hiring and administrative personnel decisions.