Elko County fire board approves Chief Matt Peterson's evaluation and advances pay step

The Elko County Board of Fire Commissioners approved Chief Matt Peterson's Dec. 2023'Dec. 2024 performance evaluation and voted to advance him from step 5 to step 6. The motion was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote after the board discussed his year of work and outcomes.

Commissioners lauded the chief's work on equipment, training and interagency coordination. Commissioner Delmo said, "Matt, you're a great communicator. I love the reports and backup materials you provide," and called Peterson a "key component" for the district and county. Commissioner Gerber praised Peterson's planning and emergency response work and also offered a top rating.

Chief Matt Peterson thanked the board, staff and volunteers, saying, "this is the most satisfaction that I've had at any job," and credited his team for the district's progress. The chair noted the district's improved operational capacity, citing an example that a truck was able to travel for mutual-aid response to Southern California.

During the discussion the chair referenced the board's pay-step structure and approximations for step levels, but no definitive salary figures were entered into the record. The board's action was recorded as an approval of the evaluation and authorization to move the chief to step 6; the decision was taken by voice vote and the meeting record does not include a roll-call tally.