City of Great Falls issued the following announcement.
City Manager Greg Doyon announced today the appointment of Jeremy M. Jones as the City’s next Fire Chief. Mr. Jones replaces Steve Hester, who retired on May 29, 2020 after 16 years with Great Falls Fire Rescue (GFFR).
Mr. Jones joined the City of Great Falls as a fire fighter in August 1998. He has had a successful career within Great Falls Fire Rescue, including earning ranks as a Fire Fighter First Class, Captain, and Battalion Chief. In February 2018, Jeremy was appointed the Assistant Chief of Operations.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University, Billings, in 2020. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy in courses of Command and Control/Management of Emergency Medical Services, and is a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic.
The Fire Chief position was widely announced and broadly advertised, which resulted in 40 applications during the first round. Virtual interviews occurred with five applicants in August 2020. In-person interviews with four candidates occurred in late September 2020, with a formal job offer to Mr. Jones made on October 16, 2020. Each candidate was subjected to six rigorous interview panels throughout the process including the GFFR leadership team, community members (representing Rural Fire Districts, industry, Neighborhood Councils), department head team members, and department personnel ranging from Fire Fighters to Battalion Chiefs.
City Manager Doyon stated, “There is no doubt that Jeremy is deeply committed to Great Falls Fire Rescue, its members, and the community. Jeremy emerged as the ideal candidate after an arduous process, and is the best candidate to take the department to the next level. I am excited to have him on the department leadership team and eager to see him serve the community in this new capacity.”
“I am humbled to have been chosen as the next Chief of Great Falls Fire Rescue. The men and women of GFFR are the finest in the state and I am excited to work together with staff and the community to take this department to new levels,” stated Mr. Jones. “Chief Hester created a strong organizational structure and direction that I plan to continue, to enhance and deliver the best service to the citizens of our community.”
Original source here.
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