Teton commissioners approve Deputy Fire Chief role to oversee prevention, capital

Teton County commissioners voted April 7 to reclassify Jackson Hole Fire/EMS’ Battalion Chief–Fire Marshal position (Grade 9) into a Deputy Fire Chief of Prevention & Support Services (Grade 10), a move staff said is aimed at clarifying executive ownership of non-operational work such as facilities, IT systems, capital planning and construction management. The action also restores what staff described as the department’s original “two–Deputy Chief structure” used when Jackson Hole Fire/EMS was reorganized in 2004.

In a staff report, Human Resources said Fire/EMS’ “increasing organizational complexity” has left responsibilities like vendor coordination, capital planning and support systems split among multiple leaders, creating “unclear ownership” and “inconsistent approvals.” With nine facilities and “two to three station construction projects” anticipated in the next 2–3 years, staff argued unified deputy-level oversight is needed for accountability and continuity. The updated job description lists supervision of prevention, investigation, electrical safety, wildfire mitigation, plus capital facilities management and information technology.

HR estimated the grade change would increase wages and benefits by about $2,073 for the remainder of FY26 (covered by departmental salary savings) and about $11,272 ongoing in FY27 and beyond, to be handled in the normal budget process.

Sources: Fire Department Reclassification Agenda Packet.