According to a weekly report from the New Port Richey City Manager’s office, the city is in the process of interviewing candidates to fill the Fire Chief position left by retiring chief Alex Onishenko. Onishenko had been with the City for 26 years and had been Chief for a little more than three years.

City Manager Manns said that she believes she will announce the hire this week.

The Fire Department in New Port Richey was formed officially in 1922, but began in 1917, according to historical documentation from Fivay.org. The Department was a volunteer unit until 1974 when the Department began employing only paid firefighters. The Department opened its second fire station on High Street in 1974 as well, which still remains today.

The New Port Richey Fire Department currently has a budget of $2.4 million. The Fire Chief salary was $84,720 in 2014-2015.