Former Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode will be staying with the department, long enough to receive an early pension.
On Tuesday New Wilmington’s mayor Mike Purzycki approved the demotion – but not termination of – Goode to senior firefighter.
Purzycki replace Goode as fire chief with Michael Donohue as his administration took over last week - leaving the former chief months shy of being eligible for early retirement benefits.
Goode is currently out using earned and accrued vacation time and won’t return to the job in the spring.
When he does, Purzycki will place Goode on “special assignment” for about five months until he’s eligible to retire in October.
He’ll then be eligible to collect his full fire pension after 20 years of service with the City.
Purzycki said in a statement he chose a practical course of action mixed with a bit of compassion.
While he did not see eye to eye with Goode on his handling of the department, Purzycki says comfortable with the move.
