New Idaho Falls Fire Chief sworn in

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls has a new fire chief. 

Johan Olson was sworn in Thursday during a ceremony before the Idaho Falls City Council meeting. 

Before his appointment to fire chief, Olson served with the Idaho Falls Fire Department from 2007 to 2021, holding roles from firefighter to captain and move-up battalion chief.

He most recently served as deputy fire chief for the Grand Junction Fire Department in Colorado.

However, to Olson, the Idaho Falls Department is not like any of the other departments he's served with.

"I want to recognize the people of the fire department," Olson said. "Having a history here, and having spent time with other agencies and firefighters, I feel I have a perspective to say I consider the members of this fire department to be some of the finest I've known."

Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw also spoke at tonight's ceremony, highlighting the importance of the fire chief and the fire department. 

In her remarks, she said the fire department is the heart of the city's essential services, answering the call when people need it most.