Blubaum accepts state job, reflects on ups and downs

Mica Kidd Island Fire Chief Jason Blubaum is moving on after a bit of a roller coaster ride during his five years at the district south of Coeur d'Alene.

Blubaum submitted his resignation letter to the MKI board Tuesday night after accepting a position at the local State Fire Marshal's Office as the deputy for fire investigations. His last day at MKI will be Oct. 23.

"Since I've been here, there have been 13 different board members, so it's been chaotic to get traction," Blubaum said. "We've had a recall election, people have retired and moved and it's been challenging as a chief with that kind of turnover of commissioners.

"But I'm really going to miss the guys and gals (volunteers). I think we've got the best group in the state of Idaho."

Board Chairman Larry Mundt said Blubaum has improved the training program at the district and will be missed.

"We're very proud of him," Mundt said. "He's moving on to bigger things. This is a small fire department and, to be able to work for the state, is reason to celebrate for him and his family."

Chris Shelton, a former board member who was recalled in November 2014, said he isn't surprised by Blubaum's decision to move on and believes a rough ride with the board drove him out.

"Maybe you can find a new chief that will do exactly what you say instead of doing his or her job, which is to run the district," Shelton wrote in an email to Mundt, Commissioner Gretchen Hauser, the district office and Blubaum. "The commissioners are supposed to manage the district, not run it. You will ruin this district and the taxpayers will suffer. I predict lower response times, less qualified volunteers, higher insurance rates and a clear and present danger related to emergency responses.

"I hope beyond all hope that an emergency in this district does not turn into a catastrophic event because of where I believe the district is headed at this point. If it does, you have only yourselves to blame."

Mundt said Shelton is implying the fire department consists of one person and causing undue alarm.

"It's tragic to make that assessment when there's 35 volunteers who have gone through an enormous amount of classes and we've sent people to specialized training," Mundt said. "It's a slap in the face of all the efforts that have been put in.

"Chris' implication is that we can't find another suitable chief. I hardly believe that's the case."

Blubaum, who makes $60,500 per year including benefits as MKI's chief, said he's taking a slight pay cut to work for the state but believes it's the right move for his family.

"I've been looking (for another job) for about a year now," he said, adding he considers the job move a lateral one overall. "It's something that I needed to do for me."

The MKI District is between the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Worley districts and serves 39 square miles. It has one station that's in the Mica Flats in the northern part of the district. The district serves about 2,000 residents and more during the summer months due to camps on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Blubaum said he and the board have had differences of opinion on topics ranging from the urgency of the district needing a second station in the southern part of the district to the need for another paid firefighting position.

"But that's OK — that's how life is," Blubaum said, adding he has advocated for both proposals.

Blubaum used some residents' pitch during the budget process that the chief's job be made into a volunteer position as an example of how opinions vary about the future of the district.

Mundt said a second station is not off the table, but the district needs to find a way to make it affordable, including securing a land donation.

"Part of the problem is that you can build another station, but if there are no volunteers who live in that area it's like a building without equipment," he said. "You can create your own failure by making unrealistic standards."

Blubaum said he takes satisfaction in believing he's leaving the district in better shape than when he arrived.

"We picked up a second engine, are more trained and have increased our capabilities," he said. "When I first got here it seemed that we were never called for mutual aid, and now 30 percent of our calls are for mutual aid. We're not some backward rural fire district, but one that offers professional service."