Personnel changes planned at KCFR

POST FALLS - Personnel changes are slated at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Jim Lyon, who has served as the public education specialist for the past eight years, has accepted the inspector/public information position at the Northern Lakes Fire District.

Deputy Fire Marshal Larry Boatwright, with KCFR for 20 years, including 17 as a paid employee, and Training Officer Greg Wetzel, who has been with the agency for 23 years, including eight as a paid staffer, both plan to retire in April.

"We've been fortunate to have these people bring high levels of service to our constituents," KCFR Chief Ron Sampert said.

Lyon's last day at KCFR was Friday; he starts at Northern Lakes on Monday.

KCFR covers Post Falls, Stateline, Fernan Village, Huetter, Dalton Gardens and the Wolf Lodge area. Northern Lakes covers the Hayden and Rathdrum areas.

Lyon described his experience at KCFR as "phenomenal."

"The support from the personnel, community and schools has been fantastic," said Lyon, who lives in the Hayden area. "I'm looking forward to branching out, meeting new people and am ready for something different."

Lyon helped KCFR earn the National Head Start Association's Corporate Award in 2010.

"Jim has been a big influence on community, not just with the fire district, but with the schools," Sampert said.

Ponderosa Elementary Principal Kathy Baker said "Firefighter Jim" is one of the most engaging and passionate instructors she has known.

"His name is synonymous with both integrity and positive energy," Baker said.

Sampert said Boatwright has been the "go-to code guy" in North Idaho.

"We get a lot of phone calls to pick his brain," Sampert said. "He's made our businesses and homes safer places to be."

Wetzel has improved KCFR's training program ensuring employees are trained as best as they can be and the department now has better records of the staff's certifications, Sampert said.

"Greg has been involved with more than just our agency with training," Sampert said.