Dean Marcus: 23 years of putting out fires

IN PERSON

HAYDEN — Dean Marcus believes he has brought a sense of stability to the Northern Lakes Fire District.

Prior to Marcus becoming the fire chief in 2007, Northern Lakes — and before that the Hayden Lake Fire Protection District — had five chiefs in 12 years.

Northern Lakes serves Hayden, Rathdrum, Hayden Lake and the areas in the county in between those cities.

"I believe I have started a trend of consistency of leadership for the department," Marcus said.

That's how Marcus said he'd like to be remembered after he retires on Jan. 29 — as leading the district.

"Serving my community has been very rewarding and my proudest accomplishment of my 67 years on this planet," he said.

Marcus, who has lived in the Hayden area for 31 years, worked through the fire ranks. He has spent 23 years in the fire service, including for the Hayden Lake Fire Protection District before it merged with Rathdrum Fire in 2000 to become Northern Lakes.

Marcus started volunteering in 1992 as a firefighter and also was elected as a fire commissioner in 1993. He served in both capacities until 1995.

Marcus was hired as a full-time firefighter in October 1995. In 1996 he became a fire inspector and a fire lieutenant. He was promoted to fire marshal in 2004 until becoming chief in 2007.

How has being chief at Northern Lakes ranked among all your jobs and why has it been so special?

Working my way up through the ranks has been very challenging and very rewarding. As the chief, I am able to help guide our programs for those who work here for their career development. I hope I have influenced and inspired others to continue developing so that they may someday be the chief. I have been supported by the board of commissioners as well as those that work within the department. I believe that I have built a level of respect within the community for myself as well as our fire district.

Did you ever have a chance to go lead another agency during your time as chief at Northern Lakes and, if so, where or what made you decide to stay put? Or did you even seek other avenues because you were so content at Northern Lakes?

Hayden has been my home since 1984. I have been very much in love with the area and the community. I have not had any desire to move elsewhere. Working for the fire department has given me more than expected and I can’t imagine working or living elsewhere. Although traveling south for some winter months might be good.

What do you believe has been your greatest strength as chief?

That’s not easy to answer. I guess consistency in leadership. Maintaining a fiscally responsible budget. I would like to be known as someone who has led by example, especially in areas that involve integrity.

What special memories do you have from serving as chief?

When our crews do their job and someone sends a thank you for a job well done. We don’t expect thank yous when we help someone, but when they do come, I feel proud of what this department and the people who work here have accomplished.

Describe what your upbringing was like, and where was it?

I grew up in Glendale, Calif. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and my father was a business owner. He worked a lot as he and his brother started Marcus Electric in Glendale in 1945. I started working at his business at age 16.

How much did your upbringing have to do with who you are as a person today?

I was taught to be honest and to work hard if I wanted to make something of myself. I was taught to have a strong work ethic.

Describe how you've been involved in the community.

Starting in 1996, I served as the secretary/treasurer of the Greater Kootenai County Fire Prevention Cooperative and currently serve as the treasurer. I have spent countless hours volunteering my time for the co-op events. I spent five years promoting the Muscular Dystrophy Association in local parades in the county. I am a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, including being the District I director from 2008 until 2013. I am also a member of the International and Idaho Association of Arson Investigators, Kootenai Fire Chief Association, North Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, the International Fire Marshals Association and the International Code Council.

What are some things that most people don’t know about you?

I owned a sailboat in southern California and raced in local sailing events. When I moved to Idaho, I started a small business repairing power tools and appliances. I was also the warehouse manager for Keystone Lighting in Hayden from 1988 to 1992.

What fires or other emergencies really stand out from your time at Northern Lakes and why?

I have seen only one fatality in our district from a fire since starting here. From vehicle accidents and medical calls, I have seen several. When a small child is injured or sick can be one of the hardest parts of the job.

Have you been a supporter of consolidating with other fire districts in general? Why or why not?

I do support consolidation. Hayden Lake Fire and Rathdrum Fire merged to form Northern Lakes Fire in 2000. I believe if it is done right it will be good for the communities. I believe that one day all fire districts in Kootenai County should be one. I believe that is what is best for the citizens we serve.

Describe the relationship between Northern Lakes and neighboring Timberlake, which serves Athol and Bayview? Has it gotten better in your time as chief of Northern Lakes and why?

During a time when Timberlake was going through some changes in direction, Northern Lakes Fire entered into a management agreement that lasted approximately three years. I think both districts learned from the experience as we worked together to eventually end the agreement with Timberlake Fire, allowing them to move in a positive direction.

It seems like passing a bond for fire stations and other needs has been difficult in Northern Lakes? How many times has a measure failed and what are your overall thoughts on that?

Since 1995 the district has only gone to the public to pass a levy increase one time. That was in 2012. The vote failed by a large majority. What can I say? The voters showed that they were not ready to stand behind their fire district and those dedicated individuals that provide emergency services to their family and themselves at a level we truly need. To be honest, I was saddened by the lack of support shown. We are still doing business. We have evaluated where we are and what changes we will need to make to continue to provide the best services we can with what we have available.

What has it been like leading a district that is in multiple cities, including Rathdrum, Hayden and Hayden Lake? Are the communities different or similar in terms of how they view or support their fire and EMS departments? Explain those similarities and differences in the communities.

As far as the fire and ambulance service we offer, it is the same for all three cities and in the county between each. There are some differences when dealing with fire code issues that vary slightly with each agency. I think we have developed a good relationship with the building departments in Hayden and Rathdrum and work closely with them on their development issues. We also support Hayden’s and Rathdrum’s celebrations by participating in their events as best as possible. Taxes are levied for fire and EMS services at a rate that is the same for all residents of each city as well as the county residents we serve.

What are your plans for retirement?

My wife has a greenhouse business at our home in Garwood. I plan to work with her. You may find me at the corner of Highway 95 and Garwood Road selling hanging baskets and flowers on Friday afternoons during the summer months.