City of Peoria Press Release
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Peoria Fire Chief to leave Peoria Fire Department
Peoria Fire Chief, Thomas Solberg has
10/10/2011
PEORIA, Ariz. (October 10, 2011) – Peoria Fire Chief, Thomas Solberg has
resigned his position with the city of Peoria Fire Department effective November
10, 2011. Solberg was hired by the city in 2009. Prior to joining the city,
Solberg had a 30 year career with the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Fire Department.
“We appreciate all that the chief has done for the department and the city,”
said Carl Swenson, Peoria city manager. “It is unfortunate that we are losing
someone of his caliber and talent, however we do wish him well in his future
endeavors.”
For reasons of no fault of the city or Solberg, the Arizona State Retirement
System (ASRS) revoked Solberg’s pension plan after 14 months of contribution.
The state retirement agency said he belonged in a separate state retirement
system for public-safety employees. Recent Arizona state legislation required
him to join the public-safety employees system, which is not what Solberg wanted
to do.
“I was looking forward to a long career and ultimately retiring as the fire
chief for Peoria,” said Solberg. “This fire department is one of the best
around, with great people, and I believe I helped lay the groundwork for its
successful growth in the future.”
Assistant Fire Chief, Stacy Irvine will be acting as the interim Fire Chief
while the city recruits a new leader.
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