Missoula City Council confirms six firefighters after successful probationary year

Missoula City Council on Aug. 11 confirmed six probationary firefighters recommended by Fire Chief Lonnie Rasch, who said the group completed their recruit academy, testing and additional driver-operator training.

Rasch told the council the group completed an accelerated driver-operator process and was known as the “Thurlow 6” after their training officer. “This probationary period included initial recruit academy, map testing, dialing in their skills as fire and EMS professionals and responding to the needs of our community,” Rasch said.

The confirmations were moved by Councilor Stacy Anderson and approved by voice vote. Councilors and the mayor offered brief remarks welcoming the new firefighters and thanking them for choosing public service.

Rasch listed the six firefighters recommended for confirmation as firefighter John Deanna, firefighter Kristen Tabala, firefighter Denny Hoselton (not present at the meeting), firefighter John Kaiser, firefighter John Mills and firefighter Chris Shetler. Rasch also cited “meeting the requirements of the MCA 7 33 4 1 2 2” in recommending confirmation and said he would email the council brief bios for the new hires.

Council remarks emphasized community support for the fire department and the recent fire levy passed by voters. Councilor Mike Nugent said he had “heard great things” about the recruits and thanked them for their service; Councilor Amber Sherrill and Councilor Gwen Jones offered similar welcome remarks.

Action and next steps: the council confirmed the six firefighters by voice vote. No council instruction or further action on the hires was recorded during the meeting.

The confirmations were presented as a special presentation at the start of the meeting and were followed by the continuation of the FY26 budget public hearing.