Coeur d'Alene Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Greif has been named the city’s new fire chief.

He will replace Kenny Gabriel, who announced his retirement in December. His last day will be Feb. 15.

“I am deeply honored to be the next fire chief for the city of Coeur d’Alene, as well as very excited to continue on with the legacy that Chief Gabriel and the members of this great department have built,” Greif said in a press release.

Greif is a 24-year veteran of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and has held numerous leadership positions within it.

He is the current president of the North Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, which includes the six North Idaho counties.

Greif also has experience with the Kootenai County EMS System and has strong partnerships with surrounding agencies, the release said.

Gabriel has more than 30 years with the department. After he announced his retirement plans, the city began an internal search to select a new fire chief.

"I need to thank Chief Gabriel for the opportunities that have prepared me for the road ahead," Greif said.

The fire chief oversees 70 employees, including 24 paramedics who provide fire, emergency medical first response and transport, and technical rescue services.

Last year, the department responded to over 10,000 calls out of four stations.