Peterson named assistant fire chief

The Columbia Falls Fire Department has a new volunteer assistant chief.

Longtime firefighter Brad Peterson will replace Jesse Best, who recently stepped down due to his commitments with the state Department of Natural Resources, where he manages the aircraft operations for the department, chief Karl Weeks explained to city council recently.

Best has been assistant chief since 2007 and served as interim chief in the past as well, when the city was undertaking the hiring process.

Peterson has 22 years with the department and two as a wildland firefighter before that.

“He’s one of the best trainers we have,” Weeks said of Peterson.

Peterson said he was looking forward to finish out his volunteer career as assistant chief.

“It’s been a good run,” he told council. “I appreciate it.”

In other fire department news, the building has a new coat of paint — gone will are the pink doors.

The concrete out front has also been replaced with a new pad and better drainage.