Kalispell hires new fire chief

Kalispell has a new fire chief and for Dan Pearce, it’s a homecoming of sorts.

Pearce spent several years in Kalispell, from 1990 to 1999.

He worked as a home health care provider with Kalispell Medical Equipment and as a firefighter and paramedic as well as a hazardous materials technician for Flathead County.

“I’m happy to be back in Kalispell,” Pearce said during a phone interview Wednesday. “It’s very rewarding for me and I will retire here.”

According to information from City Manager Doug Russell, Pearce was chosen from a group of five finalists after the city conducted a nationwide search.

“Dan brings a wealth of experience from Vancouver, Washington, where he served as a battalion chief, overseeing five stations,” Russell said. “Additionally, Dan’s previous experience working in the Kalispell Fire Department from 1990-1999 will be of significant benefit as he transitions into the Kalispell fire chief position.”

Interviews were held in early May. Pearce is expected to begin work in his new position July 6.

According to information on the city of Vancouver website, Pearce comes from a multi-generational fire service family.

“My great-grandfather was a paid firefighter in Butte from 1915 to 1942, my grandfather was a volunteer firefighter and my dad was a paid firefighter, too, so it’s in the blood,” Pearce said. “I’m also proud to have been part of the first paramedic class in the Flathead Valley.”

He began his professional fire service career in 1984, working for fire agencies in California, Montana and Washington.

Pearce said his position as battalion chief in the Clark County Fire District 5 for the city of Vancouver has prepared him to take over in Kalispell.

“When I left here to go to Washington, it was growing rapidly and there was a lot of opportunity there, so the work there really prepared me for this job,” Pearce said.

Pearce holds fire service degrees from Mission College in Santa Clara, California, and Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.

Pearce and his wife Cindy, of 32 years, are outdoors lovers and he said they are looking forward to all the opportunities here for outdoors pursuits. They are also parents to a daughter who lives in Spokane Valley, who works in the mental-health field.

Pearce also recalled fond memories spending time in Woods Bay. His grandparents owned a marina there and he enjoyed the time engaging in water sports.

“I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with the people I worked with before and who still work here and also working on getting used to Montana’s laws and regulations as well as our mutual aid agreements and labor agreements,” Pearce said.

Pearce will take the reins from retiring chief Dave Dedman. Dedman’s last day is June 10. He served as chief for about 10 years and has been with the department for 25 years.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com