Oelwein Eliminates Firefighter’s Job

The Oelwein City Council has voted to eliminate the city’s lone full time firefighter position, according to KWWL. The resolution passed by a 4-1 vote with one council member, Matt Weber, abstaining. Weber is the city’s deputy fire chief and thus had a conflict of interest. The full time firefighter position allowed there to be someone at the station eight hours a day. It is currently held by Nathan Westendorf. The position will officially be eliminated as of December 29th. The vote comes after a study of the fire department was executed that suggested eliminating the position.