New fire chief to start January 4

John Woodland, chief of the Superior Volunteer Fire Department, will retire on Jan. 4 when his replacement, Rob Torrey, takes the helm. 

Woodland introduced Torrey at the Monday, Dec. 14, Superior town hall council meeting, and again at the Dec. 15 fire department training meeting.

Woodland first retired in April 2015, after nearly five decades in the business as a volunteer and then as the fire chief in Superior. His replacement was Rick Miller, but unfortunately Miller was arrested in July with charges of sexual abuse of children when investigators reportedly found child pornography on his computer. Court documents also said that Miller was charges with tampering with evidence after allegedly chopping up two computers with an axe. 

Woodland stepped back in to help the department, but now once again, he can retired and enjoy his “mini” farm in Superior, which consists of goats, chickens, ducks and a huge garden. He’ll retire with his wife, Patty, at his side. Patty is also retired and has a small business making soap out of goat milk.

The fire chief’s position, which is part-time, will be a semi-retirement position for Torrey. He will be moving here from Redmond, Washington, followed by his wife and two young grandchildren, who will move to Superior in June. Torrey brings with him over 30 years of fire service experience.

“He’s held a lot of leadership positions and training,” said Woodland, “I’m excited about Rob being here. He’ll make a great new chief. He brings knowledge and experience to the department. It’s definitely a step forward.”

The fire chief is the only paid position at the small, rural department. The rest is handled by 22 volunteers. 

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” said Woodland. “The department provides all the training and gear. Around 30 volunteers is optimal.”