City plans to split fire marshal and assistant chief roles after Young's resignation

The Brigham City Work Session held on May 24, 2025, addressed significant changes within the fire department following the resignation of Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Mike Young, who served the city for over 26 years. Young has accepted a new position with the state of Utah, prompting discussions on restructuring the fire department's leadership roles.

City Administrator and Fire Chief Thiessen highlighted the unexpected nature of Young's departure and the challenges it presents. The chief noted that the dual role of fire marshal and assistant chief is uncommon in fire services, as it requires a unique blend of skills and training that few possess. This combination often leads to an overwhelming workload for the individual in the position, making it difficult to balance the responsibilities effectively.

To address these challenges, Chief Thiessen proposed splitting the combined position into two distinct roles. This change aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that both fire prevention and emergency response duties are managed effectively. The chief emphasized the increasing demand for fire marshal services due to ongoing development projects in the area, which necessitates a dedicated focus on fire safety and prevention.

During the meeting, Chief Thiessen elaborated on the responsibilities of the fire marshal, which extend beyond firefighting to include public safety education, code enforcement, and fire investigations. He explained that the fire marshal plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings meet safety standards from the planning stage through to occupancy. This includes conducting inspections and collaborating with other city officials to ensure public safety.

The discussions underscored the importance of having specialized personnel in both roles to maintain high safety standards for the community and first responders. The city plans to move forward with the proposed restructuring to better meet the needs of Brigham City and its growing population.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's proactive approach to adapting its fire department to ensure continued safety and effective service delivery amidst changing circumstances. Further steps will be taken to implement the proposed changes and recruit qualified candidates for the newly defined positions.