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Steve Mix promoted to Salem fire captain

Salem Fire Capt. Steve Mix grins as his daughters, Hannah, left, and Shelby put his new badge in place after Mayor John Berlin administered the oath of office Thursday afternoon. He was also accompanied by his wife, Kim, for the short ceremony in the mayor’s office. Mix came out on top after a recent civil service exam for the promotion. He joined the department in August 2000 and has worked his way through the ranks. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)

SALEM — Fire Chief Scott Mason announced there’s a new captain in the fire house, with Capt. Steve Mix taking his oath for the promotion Thursday afternoon.

Mix has been with the department since August 2000, moving up the ranks to inspector in February 2008 and then lieutenant in July 2011. He recently took the promotion exam administered by the Salem Civil Service Commission and came out on top for the promotion due to his score and seniority points. Three other firefighters took the exam and all four of them passed.

A 1994 graduate of United High School, Mix previously worked as a full-time land surveyor before becoming a full-time firefighter for the city. Mayor John Berlin handled the swearing-in duties and Mix was accompanied by his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, Hannah and Shelby, who pinned on his new badge.

Mix said he’s just looking forward to it, regarding his new role.

“He should be a good fit for the leadership of the department. He’s a good leader. I’m looking forward to him working with me into the future,” Mason said.

The spot opened up after previous captain now Inspector Aaron Loper stepped down from the rank for personal reasons and returned to the rank of inspector at the end of March.

Now that Mix has been promoted to captain, that leaves open a position for lieutenant and requires another promotion exam. All personnel at the firefighter and inspector ranks will be eligible to take the test for the lieutenant rank.

mgreier@salemnews.net

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