The Pleasant Prairie Police and Fire Commission has named an Interim Chief of Fire & Rescue. On October 18, Assistant Fire Chief Doug McElmury was selected as Interim Chief. McElmury will serve as Interim Chief throughout the recruiting and selection process, which could last as long as six months. McElmury has been with the department since March of 1989 and has subsequently served as Firefighter/Paramedic, Training Officer, Captain, and Assistant Chief. Prior to his service with Pleasant Prairie, McElmury was a member of both the Wheatland and Lake Geneva Fire Departments.

During September, Fire Chief Paul G. Guilbert Jr. announced his retirement after 25 years with the Department and 41 years in the field. The Village will conduct a national search for a new Chief of Fire & Rescue. An Assessment Panel comprised of other area Fire Chiefs will interview top candidates. Top candidates will then be presented to the Police and Fire Commission for their consideration. It is anticipated that a final selection will be made during the spring of 2012. “We appreciate Doug’s willingness to lead the Department through the selection of a new Chief of Fire & Rescue,” commented Carol Willke, Director of Human Resources for Pleasant Prairie. “His leadership and experience will provide continuity for the Department as they continue to provide high quality fire and rescue services to residents and visitors in Pleasant Prairie.”