Junction City has reopened the application process for the Fire Chief position.

Rick Rook has served as the Interim Fire Chief for several months, but City Manager Allen Dinkel said they are opening the position to explore other options.

“We’ve had the [hiring] committee consider different applicants…and we’ll make the decision based on what’s best for the community,” said Dinkel.

City officials have previously expressed their confidence in Rook on numerous occasions – Dinkel wouldn’t comment if there was a problem promoting Rook or whether or not Rook is a finalist among the applicants for the Fire Chief position.

It is standard for those involved in the hiring process to not comment on the candidates or the specifics regarding the hiring process.

The Fire Chief position will be open for a period of three weeks.