Northern Lakes appoints new fire chief

The Northern Lakes Fire Protection District on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new fire chief, a position that has been vacant for nearly four months.

Dean Marcus, a 15-year employee of the fire district, was promoted from fire marshal to chief on Monday by the district’s board of commissioners.

“My attitude about the fire department and my devotion to the area is important,” the longtime Hayden resident said Tuesday. “I’m here to stay.”

Marcus describes himself as a straightforward, “easygoing guy” who gets along well with others, from the department’s employees to the heads of other local fire districts and agencies.

A former commissioner himself, Marcus said he also gets along well with the district’s board of commissioners.

Marcus is the fourth chief since the Rathdrum and Hayden fire departments consolidated to form Northern Lakes Fire Protection District in 2000. He replaces Marion Blackwell, who resigned in April.

The two chiefs before Blackwell were fired by the district’s commissioners.

The district has experience other controversy over the past year. Commission Chairwoman Lynda Thurman and Commissioner Terry Thompson were investigated for allegations of insurance fraud leveled by fellow Commissioner Larry House. No charges were filed.

Marcus said one of the biggest issues facing the district is growth, and developing a strategic plan for the district is one of his top priorities.

“The projected subdivisions I’ve seen coming into our fire district alone are tremendous,” he said. “If they all happen – and it may take five to 10 years – we’re going to be stretched too thin to handle it.”