Palmerton has appointed a new assistant fire chief to the helm.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Thursday named Chris Weiss to the position.

Before the vote, Walter Haas Sr., a member of the fire department, told borough council his concern is the assistant fire chief position.

“I don’t have nothing against Chris,” Haas Sr. said. “He does not meet the SOPs (standard operating procedures); you have to be qualified as a line officer for three years (before getting promoted).”

Haas Sr. wasn’t done.

“If my two kids get hurt (as Weiss is assistant chief), you are responsible, and I will be coming after you,” he said.

Council President Terry Costenbader told Haas Sr. this was a personnel matter, and that they were not going to talk about too much at that point in time.

When it came time to vote on the assistant fire chief position, it was noted that the committee sat down and interviewed three people for the position.

At that, council then appointed Weiss to the post.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell was absent.

Contacted Friday morning, Palmerton Fire Chief Jason Behler said, “The Palmerton Fire Department utilizes standard operational guidelines which are basically recommendations because every situation is different.

“The world is fluid, where a policy is more matter of fact. This allows borough administration the flexibility to adjust and adapt for them to make the choice they best see fit.”

In February, borough council accepted the resignation of former Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Rios.