New fire captains
Bigfork's new fire captains Katie Edwards, Chad Wermer, Ivan Barnes and Tom Steffes pose in front of Nelson Fire Hall last Thursday.<br>Mike Richeson/Bigfork Eagle
After losing numerous fire captains and gaining a large class of new recruits, the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department found itself in new of more captains.
Tom Steffes, Chad Wermer, Ivan Barnes and Katie Edwards all were chosen to take leadership roles in the department.
Fire Chief Chuck Harris said he believes Edwards is the first female captain in the department's history.
The addition also helps to create a better ratio of one captain for every four volunteers.
The captains have greater responsibilities as well, including an increase in call responses, scene control and supervision of other firefighters.
Steffes has been with the department for eight years and the other three have served about four years each.