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Kanzigg plots new path for MFD
Just as American history changed that dreadful day, so did Kanzigg's life. "It was a changing point for me and my career," Kanzigg recalled last week as he met with the Gulf Breeze News editorial board. "Until that time, I was a firefighter for the fun of it. I wanted to go to work, fight fires, get a paycheck, go home and be off-duty. "As we watched the terrorist attacks unfold on TV, we knew there were firefighters dying in those collapsing buildings. It suddenly hit home of what I was doing with my career. "I suddenly got very serious about my job and its responsibilities." Seven years after the dastardly attacks, Kanzigg, 36, now serves as Chief of the Midway Fire District. He succeeded Stephen Demeter, who was terminated Aug. 12 after four years with the department. Kanzigg's mission is to continue Midway Fire's service to the area and mend strained relationships with nearby emergency agencies, the business community and some taxpayers. One of his first acts was to meet with the Gulf Breeze News editorial board to explore opportunities for improvement. "I don't plan on making any sweeping changes operationally as far as responses or coverage," Kanzigg said. "If we do have any changes, we have to show a pattern for need for change. "My biggest goal right now is to build relationships with neighboring departments, the county, the Santa Rosa County Firefighters Association, and any other bridges that need to be built. "Former Chief Demeter did an outstanding job building demands for the team," he said. "He's done all the hard work for me. The work I have ahead of me is easy by comparison and comes naturally to me. What I need to work on is the leadership and direction of leaders of the department and the community." Decreased funding from taxes and other means largely because of Amendment One has forced Midway Fire District to cut staffing and other consider other means to save money. The district put a controversial fee assessment proposal on the January ballot that failed overwhelmingly by a 4-to-1 margin. The local business community would not support a proposed cheaper, alternative tax plan that would have been on last week's primary ballot. So the district faces some significant budget challenges in the coming years. "We have 21 firefighters, and I'm asked all the time if more staff cuts are planned," Kanzigg said. "I tell them none are 'planned,' but, absolutely, there is a great possibility more positions might have to be cut. "The Board must decide whether or how to cut non-essential services, non-emergency services. There are so few places to cut. But cutting things like advanced life support services, that's not even an option." Kanzigg grew up in Midway and attended high school at Choctawhatchee High in Fort Walton Beach. At age 19, he attended Okaloosa-Walton College and volunteered with the Midway Fire District. Kanzigg spent two subsequent years at the Mary Esther Fire Department, followed by nine years with the Mobile Fire Department. Motivated by the events of Sept. 11, Kanzigg pursued training in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), which specializes in high-angle rescue, technical rescue, church rescue and construction collapse. He brought that expertise to Midway Fire District and, with Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, formed an area USAR technical rescue team. Kanzigg and his wife, Dawn, live in Navarre, and their three children attend Navarre schools.
The Midway Fire District Board will appoint a temporary replacement for former commissioner T.J. Emma, who resigned to move to Moultrie, Ga. The appointment will come at the next Board meeting Sept. 9. During discussion on Aug. 12, commissioners debated whether to appoint Shellie T. Isakson, who is unopposed candidate for the Midway Fire District Commission Seat 3. Isakson has no opposition and will earn a different seat on the Board after voting occurs in the Nov. 4 General Election. After further discussion, however, commissioners agreed that public notice be made so anyone in the community who has interest in the position can attend the Sept. 9 meeting and place their name into nomination. The board will vote after all prospects are considered. |
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