Kootenai County Fire and Rescue celebrates promotions
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue celebrated several promotions with a pinning ceremony on Wednesday. Pictured from left to right is Division Chief Kevin Lawler, Division Chief Mitchell Copstead, Fire Chief Pete Holley, Battalion Chief Kaipo Kuehu, Battalion Chief Rusty Kramer, Battalion Chief Justin Capaul and Battalion Chief Brooks Brown.
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue celebrated the promotions of six of its own with a formal pinning ceremony on Wednesday.
Captains Brooks Brown and Rusty Kramer were both promoted to battalion chiefs, Engineers Tony Blasick and Taylor Carr were named captains, and firefighters Mike Cohee and Zero Laulualo were named engineers.
“These individuals have demonstrated leadership, skill, and dedication to the mission of KCFR,” said Interim Fire Chief Pete Holley. “Their promotions are well-earned, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make in their new roles.”
KCFR had intentionally left several key leadership positions unfilled as the organization focused on healing and honoring the legacy of Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, who lost his life during the shooting on Canfield Mountain on June 29.
The promotions were a step forward for KCFR, indicating "renewed strength and unity," a department release said.
"These advancements represent not only individual achievement but also the collective resilience and forward progress of the district over the past year," the release read.