Deputy Chief in line for IFFD appointment

29-year fire service veteran Duane Nelson has been nominated by Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper as the city’s new Fire Chief. Pending City Council approval, Nelson would succeed Chief Dave Hanneman when he retires May 3.

“The Idaho Falls Fire Department is one of the region’s leading departments. We lead the state in many ways including having one of highest ISO ratings, a superb training model, very strong hiring and retention rates, and an excellent EMS record. I believe Chief Nelson will continue this record of success,” said Mayor Casper. “I also believe he has the guts to innovate. The search for innovative solutions inside of a tradition-bound institution like the fire service requires a forward-looking leader. I believe Duane Nelson is that leader.”

Nelson currently serves as Deputy Chief of Administration. He began his career as a firefighter in the Idaho Army National guard and joined the Idaho Falls Fire Department in 1997.

“Growing up in Idaho Falls I have a very strong connection to this community and those we serve,” said Nelson. “I look forward to continuing to work with staff and our partnering agencies to build upon the great work we have accomplished in eastern Idaho over the past several years.”

Nelson completed his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology from the College of Eastern Idaho (formerly EITC) in 2009. In 2012, he received his Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Administration from Idaho State University, becoming the first graduate of the ISU program. In May of 2019 he will complete a Master’s Degree of Professional Studies in the Psychology of Leadership from Pennsylvania State University.