Idaho Falls announces interim fire chief

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper appointed Duane Nelson as interim fire chief for the Idaho Falls Fire Department. He is taking on the duties of former fire chief Dean Ellis.

Although many thought more veteran officers would be granted this opportunity, the city said Nelson is the perfect candidate.

“There’s so many components to being a great fire chief,” said City Council member Sharon D. Parry. “Everything from human resources, to hiring, to leadership roles and letting people be trained to the highest ability possible. All of those things need to be weighed when it comes to who we choose permanently.”

Although Nelson’s position is temporary, he said he still plans to advance the department.

“Our first priority is the safety of the community,” said Nelson.

He said although he was chosen sooner than he thought to take on his dream job, he understands there is a lot of valuable expertise between the existing division chiefs.

“The knowledge and their experience, administrative and potential of how this fire department runs, that they have gathered over the years is invaluable,” said Nelson. “I’m not sure it will ever be replaced or can be replaced.”

The city is in the process of determining applicant qualifications before it chooses a permanent fire chief.