Council deadlocks on police chief confirmation; approves Jake Beaker as fire chief

Coeur d'Alene — Following an executive session on March 17, the interim city administrator presented personnel recommendations for department heads. The administrator recommended Greg Joerger for police chief; council members debated the recommendation and an initial motion to reject the appointment failed. A subsequent motion to approve produced a tie vote and no confirmation; the interim chief, Dave Hagar, will continue in that role while the administrator and council consider next steps.

Council members who spoke during the discussion emphasized the integrity of the hiring process and support for internal candidates in some cases. Councilmember Dan English said he generally supports promoting from within and acknowledged internal candidate Dave Hagar’s long service. A tie on the approval motion left the recommendation unconfirmed.

The interim administrator then recommended Jake Beaker for fire chief. Council moved, seconded and approved Beaker’s appointment by unanimous roll call. The council congratulated Beaker and noted that Hagar will continue in his current acting role in the police department.

Votes recorded: on the police-chief approval motion the roll-call produced a tie (Wood: no; Evans: yes; Miller: yes; Gabriel: yes; Sheckler: no; English: no), leaving no majority to confirm; on the fire-chief appointment the roll call was unanimous in favor (English: yes; Wood: yes; Evans: yes; Miller: yes; Gabriel: yes; Sheckler: yes).