Wenatchee Valley Fire Department chief job offered to Idaho Falls firefighter

Fire commissioners will offer the job of leading the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department to an Idaho Falls firefighter.

Jon Perry was selected Tuesday from a pool of three finalists to replace the retiring chief, Brian Brett.

"The candidate has a lot of experience, never has never been a fire chief ... a great deal of education, fire service and administrative management," said Dave Fennell, chairman of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Board of Commissioners. "All three of the candidates had a great deal of experience, but we just felt that our candidate prevailed with the most experience and the most education."

The other finalists were WVFD's Deputy Chief Andy Davidson and Kristan Maurer from Clark County Fire District 6.

Perry retired from the Idaho Falls Fire Department in the fall. He is an East Wenatchee native - born and raised, according to Fennell.

The selection followed a full day of interviews Monday by various citizen groups, including a labor panel, union personnel, administrative personnel and the board of commissioners.

Fennell said the board was looking for a fire chief with an "outside perspective" to lead the department.

"Jon kind of filled that role for us, of coming from two different departments, one in Kansas and one in Idaho Falls, like I said, and he provided a good outside perspective," he said.

As the fire department awaits new leadership, Brett said his team is ready to be led in a new direction.

"I'm very grateful to be able to pass the baton right now, and it's going to get much better," Brett said. "New energy taking us in a new direction and continuing the direction we're on. I have all the confidence in the world and everybody in here."

Brett plans to stay involved administratively throughout the transition, but starting June 1 when the new chief begins, he will not be involved operationally. His tentative last day is November 20.

The position will pay $205,000 to $220,000. The department is also looking to fill two administrative positions to take on some of Brett's financial and human resources responsibilities.

This story was updated Tuesday afternoon.

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