Senate Bill No. SLS 24RS-68, introduced by Senator Edmonds, aims to establish the position of deputy fire chief within the St. George Fire Protection District. The bill allows the governing authority of the district to create this position through a resolution, which will be filled on a competitive basis from a list of eligible candidates. The fire chief will have the authority to select, appoint, supervise, and discharge the deputy fire chief, subject to the approval of the appointing authority. The bill also specifies that the deputy fire chief will have direct supervision over all classified service positions below the rank of fire chief and outlines the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities associated with the role.

To qualify for the deputy fire chief position, candidates must have at least fifteen years of full-time fire service experience with the St. George Fire Protection District. The bill stipulates that while serving as deputy fire chief, individuals will not lose their accumulated seniority and will continue to accrue it. Additionally, if a deputy fire chief faces disciplinary action, they will have the same rights as other employees within the municipal fire and police civil service. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the expiration of the time for bills to become law without the governor's signature.