Kalispell hires new assistant fire chief

Jon Campbell will be Kalispell Fire Department’s new assistant chief, Fire Chief Dave Dedman said Monday.

“He’s an internal hire who has been promoted up through the ranks, has a good idea of how this place runs and can hit the ground running,” Dedman said.

Campbell has served as a lieutenant in Kalispell’s fire department since 2007 and has been with the department since 2004.

“His dedication, willingness to excel and years of service to the citizens of this community have prepared him well for the position,” Dedman said in a formal statement announcing the hire.

”We look forward to working with him as he will be an excellent addition to the fire department’s management team.”

The assistant fire chief position had been vacant for nearly one year as Dedman, who formerly held the position, served as interim chief following the resignation of Dan Diehl in June 2011.

Dedman was appointed fire chief in January.

With budget constraints, it’s not clear if or when Campbell’s former position will be filled. It’s the department’s only vacant position at this point.

“We’re going to play it by ear in terms of filling his position,” Dedman said. “We need to sit down with the new city manager and figure out if we can afford to and go from there.”

Reporter Tom Lotshaw may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at tlotshaw@dailyinterlake.com.