Moyie Springs officials said Economu has been a cornerstone of the Moyie Springs Volunteer Fire Department since its founding in 1978. City officials thanked Economu for his service and wished him the very best.   

Among them was Jacob Francom, Moyie Springs City Council and firefighter member, who praised Economu for his decades of public service. 

“Not many people are so heavily involved in their community,” Francom said. “He knows everyone. Steve has been able to inspire people to give back to their communities and provide a voice in their community. His impact is going to be very lasting in the city of Moyie.” 

“His leadership style was to focus on relationships and connect with people, showing kindness and listening to them. He was really there to serve and help people and do it with kindness, charity and love.”  

Over the decades, Economu devoted himself to protecting and serving the people of Moyie in a variety of roles, including as assistant fire chief and, for the past year, as the city’s fire chief. 

Economu has responded to thousands of fire and ambulance calls, giving countless hours — all as a volunteer — to ensure the safety and well-being of his neighbors, Moyie Springs officials said. This includes evenings and weekends spent training firefighters, maintaining equipment and keeping the fire hall ready and equipped at a moment’s notice to respond to an emergency. 

In addition to his work with the fire department, Economu served as the mayor and a city council member of Moyie Springs. 

Economu's retirement marks the end of an era for the department he helped build nearly 50 years ago. 

    Members of the Moyie Springs Fire Department.