Two finalists have been identified for the position of Fire Chief with the City of Ames Fire Department. As part of the interview process, the public is encouraged to attend the public presentations in order to interact with the candidates and provide feedback to City officials.

Rich Higgins, of Ames, was appointed Interim Ames Fire Chief in April. Higgins joined the City of Ames Public Works Department in 2000. He became an Ames firefighter in 2002. In 2006, Higgins was promoted to Lieutenant. He served as a Shift Commander from 2009 to 2012 before being promoted to Deputy Chief. Higgins earned an associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College, in Ankeny; a bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University, in Fayette; and a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.

Higgins will give a public presentation at 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.