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Wise River Fire District Chief Don Stodden to resign effective July 1
Summary
Fire Chief Don Stodden told trustees he will step down as chief on July 1, 2026, but will continue as a volunteer firefighter; trustees said they will begin a search and will consult volunteers at the May 17 training session.
Don Stodden, Wise River Fire District #5 fire chief, announced at the board’s April 16 meeting that he will resign as chief effective July 1, 2026. Stodden told trustees he plans to remain active as a volunteer firefighter.
Trustees said they will start a search for a replacement and plan to speak with volunteer firefighters during the district’s May 17 training session. Chair Sunny Ralston and other trustees publicly thanked Stodden for his years of service to the district.
No formal vote or personnel action was taken at the meeting to accept the resignation; trustees characterized the announcement as a personnel timeline and transition plan. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Wise River Fire Hall.
The announcement comes amid routine operational business at the April meeting, including equipment approvals, donations and construction updates for the district’s hall/garage project. Cindy Sorich, the district secretary, will present a budget review by June 2026 as part of ongoing transition planning.
