Butte-Silver Bow council concurs in promotion of Chris Melgi to fire captain

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on Wednesday concurred in the appointment of Chris Melgi as captain of the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department. The council recorded a unanimous vote of 10-0 after Fire Director Zach Osborne described Melgi's record and the department's competitive promotional process.

Fire Director Zach Osborne, director of fire services, told the council the promotional process is scored out of 320 points and includes an administrative evaluation, a written test, an interview with the fire commission, a scenario interview and up to 20 seniority points. "The amount of time that these applicants spend on prepping for these promotional processes are they're tough. They are long and grueling. And, in the end, the best applicant rises to the top," Osborne said, and identified Melgi as the top scorer.

Osborne said Melgi is a 15-year department veteran, a leader of the technical rescue team and a frequent instructor. Melgi told commissioners, "Thank you to the chief, and thank you for the guys, because it's because of the guys that I'm here. We have a great fire department, and it's because of them." Chief Executive Gallagher said Melgi will start in the role on Feb. 21, 2025, according to the communication presented to the council.

Commissioner Morgan moved to concur with the communication; the motion was seconded and the clerk recorded the vote as 10 yays, 0 nay. The council asked Melgi to come forward so commissioners and family members could be recognized.

The appointment was presented as communication number 202-5101 and carries an effective start date of Feb. 21, 2025, as stated in the communication to the council.