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IDAHO FALLS ~ After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Fire Chief Duane Nelson has announced his retirement from the Idaho Falls Fire Department. His retirement will be effective as of October 17, 2025.
Chief Nelson joined the department in 1997 as a firefighter and has since worked his way up through the ranks. He served as Interim Fire Chief in 2014, Deputy Chief from 2015 to 2019, and finally as Fire Chief from 2019 to 2025. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to public service, leadership, and innovation in the fire and emergency medical fields.
Under Chief Nelson's leadership, the Idaho Falls Fire Department has made significant strides in modernization and sustainable management practices. This has resulted in an improved standing for the department across the state. Mayor Rebecca Casper praised Chief Nelson for his dedication to strengthening the safety of local firefighters and his ability to manage numbers effectively. She also noted that under his leadership, plans are underway for a third fire station.
Mayor Casper expressed her gratitude for Chief Nelson's commitment to both the community and his fellow firefighters. She stated that Idaho Falls is a stronger city because of his nearly 28 years of service.
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During his tenure, Chief Nelson secured over $8.5 million in grants to expand personnel, upgrade equipment, and modernize fire stations. He oversaw the construction of Fire Station 6 on the south side of town and acquired Station 7 on the north side. He also led upgrades to existing facilities and improved the department's fleet with new engines, ambulances, and critical-care medical technology.
In addition to his role as Fire Chief, Chief Nelson also served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 22 years before retiring in 2019. In recognition of his support for deployed Guard members and their families, he was honored with the Patriot Employer Award in 2024.
Reflecting on his retirement, Chief Nelson stated that serving the people of Idaho Falls has been the honor of his life. He expressed pride in what they have accomplished together and thanked the firefighters, city leaders, and community members for their support throughout his career.
According to city statutes, the Idaho Falls Fire Chief is an appointed position selected by the Mayor. In light of this, Mayor Casper acknowledges the need to establish permanent leadership in the department while also considering the incoming Mayor's preferences for working with new department leaders.
"We will balance these competing needs as we name an Interim Chief and establish the hiring schedule moving forward," Mayor Casper said.
The City of Idaho Falls extends its gratitude to Chief Nelson for his years of service to the community and wishes him well in retirement. His dedication and contributions to the fire department will be greatly missed.
Chief Nelson joined the department in 1997 as a firefighter and has since worked his way up through the ranks. He served as Interim Fire Chief in 2014, Deputy Chief from 2015 to 2019, and finally as Fire Chief from 2019 to 2025. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to public service, leadership, and innovation in the fire and emergency medical fields.
Under Chief Nelson's leadership, the Idaho Falls Fire Department has made significant strides in modernization and sustainable management practices. This has resulted in an improved standing for the department across the state. Mayor Rebecca Casper praised Chief Nelson for his dedication to strengthening the safety of local firefighters and his ability to manage numbers effectively. She also noted that under his leadership, plans are underway for a third fire station.
Mayor Casper expressed her gratitude for Chief Nelson's commitment to both the community and his fellow firefighters. She stated that Idaho Falls is a stronger city because of his nearly 28 years of service.
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During his tenure, Chief Nelson secured over $8.5 million in grants to expand personnel, upgrade equipment, and modernize fire stations. He oversaw the construction of Fire Station 6 on the south side of town and acquired Station 7 on the north side. He also led upgrades to existing facilities and improved the department's fleet with new engines, ambulances, and critical-care medical technology.
In addition to his role as Fire Chief, Chief Nelson also served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 22 years before retiring in 2019. In recognition of his support for deployed Guard members and their families, he was honored with the Patriot Employer Award in 2024.
Reflecting on his retirement, Chief Nelson stated that serving the people of Idaho Falls has been the honor of his life. He expressed pride in what they have accomplished together and thanked the firefighters, city leaders, and community members for their support throughout his career.
According to city statutes, the Idaho Falls Fire Chief is an appointed position selected by the Mayor. In light of this, Mayor Casper acknowledges the need to establish permanent leadership in the department while also considering the incoming Mayor's preferences for working with new department leaders.
"We will balance these competing needs as we name an Interim Chief and establish the hiring schedule moving forward," Mayor Casper said.
The City of Idaho Falls extends its gratitude to Chief Nelson for his years of service to the community and wishes him well in retirement. His dedication and contributions to the fire department will be greatly missed.
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