HUBBARD TOWNSHIP — The Eagle Joint Fire District Trustees offered the Eagle Joint Fire District chief the opportunity to move to full time at a meeting Wednesday.

Chief Ron Stanish, the current part-time chief, accepted the position. He noted he spoke with his co-workers prior to accepting the position.

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to do so (work full time),” he said after the meeting. “I have a full time job (and) I go to the station. This job (as chief) has become too much for two full-time jobs so I had to make a choice.”

The fire department, which was originally strictly part-time, became a full-time department in February, which is when the trustees decided they needed a full-time fire chief.

Stanish said although he currently works part-time at the fire station, his hours add up to close to that of a full-time position.

He also said working full time will give him the opportunity to do more as a fire chief.

Eagle Joint Fire District Trustee Chairman Rick Hernandez presented the position to Stanish on behalf of the board and congratulated Stanish.

“We’ve been here a long time and I know the board feels you’re best served for the position and thank you for your service,” he said.

Stanish was also congratulated by two fellow employees of the Eagle Joint Fire District.

Captain Mike Rueinsky said he thinks Stanish is a good man for the full-time job.

Captain John Bizub said he feels Stanish is “the best person for the job.”

“He’s very dedicated to what he does,” Bizub said. “He’s got a soft heart. He makes sure things happen and there’s a lot of work in this business, more than I ever thought. He puts so many hours in and he’s there all the time.”

Stanish starts full-time April 8.