Chief Irwin resigns to bittersweet applause

Pocatello Fire Chief Mike Irwin said his goodbyes on Wednesday to a flurry of applause and gratitude from his fellow firefighters.

The chief is resigning after three and a half years of service in the Gate City to take a job as chief in Springdale, AK.

During his afternoon reception in Fire Station No. 1, his accomplishments in his time in Idaho did not go unnoticed. His colleagues cited Irwin’s ability to rally the community behind the ambulance district, getting the vote for another ambulance and more staff to respond to the city’s growing call volume.

Irwin said he was also personally proud of getting a 24-hour ladder truck in service and having battalion chiefs accountable at all times, making the city’s response to safety that much better.

“I’m excited to go down to the challenge, sad to leave here, because we have done a lot. And it’s just one of those things that you look at and you think, ‘I hope they continue to move forward,’ and I think they will,” Irwin said.

The city has not announced an interim chief yet and there is no word on a permanent replacement either, Irwin said.