Polson Fire Department gets new chief

By TRIP BURNS

Lake County Leader

The Polson Fire Department has a new chief. 

Over a week ago fire chief John Fairchild resigned his post and the city went looking for a replacement. Mark Shrives contacted assistant police chief Clint Cottle about the job, at first in an interim capacity, and later, as a full-time replacement. Cottle accepted.

On Tuesday night at the city commissioner’s meeting, Mayor Heather Knutson administered the oath of office to Cottle as his family looked on behind him. Cottle said a few words to the city commissioners after the ceremony.

“I’m truly humbled and honored,” he said. “To be joining such a fine fire department, and very excited to continue to serve the city of Polson and the community.”

Cottle said accepting the city’s offer to be the new fire chief was a big decision, and required research, thought, consultation with his family, and prayer.

“I felt this was the direction God would have me do at this time,” he said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to serve my community.”

Cottle has lived in Polson for 13 years.

There are big differences between being an assistant police chief and a fire chief. Cottle is aware of the differences, he said, and those differences will inform the logistics of taking on the position.

“Well, we’re dealing with volunteers for the most part on the fire department,” he said. “A larger number of people.” Cottle says there are over 40 people who work as volunteer firefighters in the city and rural areas.

“I believe I have quite a bit to offer in the area of administrative experience and leadership qualities to bring the group of volunteers together,” he said.

Last week, former fire chief John Fairchild attended the rural fire department board meeting to listen to concerns about his exit and Cottle taking over the position. Not everybody was fully on-board with Cottle’s work experience.

“There was concern – and rightly so – about my lack of experience in the firefighting aspect,” he said.

Fairchild has agreed to stay on during the remainder of the fire season to work with Cottle and the fire department.

“We’re committed to working together,” Cottle said.

No definite date has been set for Fairchild to leave in earnest, but Cottle hopes to have his help until August or September — “Or whenever it starts raining,” he said.