Staffing changes proposed for Menomonee Falls Fire Department

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Village leaders in Menomonee Falls are working to improve their embattled fire department.

At Monday night's board meeting, the village voted unanimously to begin the process of eliminating the Director of Protective Services position. 

The last person to hold that position resigned weeks after it came out that the department has a shortage of working fire engines. The director oversaw the village's fire and police departments.

Village trustees say the department needs a fire chief. 

"The fire department needs a fire chief, and that protective services position is no longer valid in our size of a community," said trustee Steve Taggart. "It might have been a good idea in 2012 when put in place, and I can't see how now."

The village has not had a full-time fire chief since 2013.  It's now up to the village attorney to draft a new ordinance.