Former East Alton, Ill., Fire Chief Larry Ringering is likely to step in as the interim director for Madison County's emergency management department, and farther east in Pennsylvania, Robert Scheirer has been promoted to fire chief.

The Collinsville Herald reports that the Madison County Board is likely to approve Ringering, who has 30 fire service experience. He would take over at the end of this month and serve until a permanent appointment is made. John Quigley, the department's former director, retired after 12. Quigley created the hazardous materials response team and the county's emergency telephone alert system, the paper reported.

The Allentown Morning Call reported that Scheirer was promoted from administrative deputy chief to replace Chief Scott Lindenmuth, who retired. Lindenmuth joined the department in 1989 and became chief in 2006.

Scheirer has been on the department since 1991 and is a third-generation member. He was captain of fire marshals and captain of public affairs before making deputy chief.