The city of Cedar Falls has ended a four-month search for a new fire chief.

Battalion Chief John Bostwick will fill the position previously held by John Schilling, Public Safety Services Director Jeff Olson said on Thursday (Dec. 15, 2016). Bostwick's promotion is pending city council approval, which is expected Monday night.

Bostwick has served the citizens of Cedar Falls as a firefighter for 36 years, having spent 23 of them in a supervisory role with the department. He is also a certified reserve police officer.

The Fullerton, Calif., native was named the city's acting fire chief in June, when Schilling left for a new job in suburban Chicago.

“John Bostwick has been an excellent employee and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the City Council goals," Olson said. "There were several great candidates for fire chief, however Bostwick did exceptionally well during this process and received significant support from many during the selection process.”

The city of Cedar Falls originally started with 25 applicants from 10 different states. Bostwick was one of two finalists who interviewed for the position this week.

The other finalist under consideration was Manual Hoskins, a former fire chief in Monroe, Mich. Hoskins was employed by the Monroe public safety department for 25 years, and currently works for the Monroe Public Schools District.

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