POST FALLS — After 33 years with the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, Kevin Croffoot was sworn in as fire chief Thursday. 

After pinning her husband's new chief badge to his uniform, Katherine Croffoot said her pride went not only to her husband but also to the Northern Lakes firefighters.

"He's been here so long and he did a really good job building a strong team," Katherine said at Station No. 1. 

Brad Belmont and Luke Michael were appointed deputy fire chiefs.

Croffoot began serving as interim chief in August, following the retirement of former Chief Pat Riley. 

His first official act was to appoint Eric Sorenson, Jason Paulson and Matt Legg as replacements for the battalion chiefs.

Croffoot's daughters, Danica and Della, spoke of the time and effort their father had put into keeping the community safe. 

"If anyone deserves this, it's him," Danica said. 

Della agreed.

"He's worked so hard for this," she said. 

Chief Croffoot said it meant the world to him to have his family with him, but the milestone was also bittersweet. 

"It was tough. My one son passed away in 2018. He always wanted to be a firefighter and he was always here," Croffoot said. "But it was such a wonderful moment for me to have my wife and my daughters with me." 

Croffoot became eligible to retire earlier this year but said the new position has given him renewed energy.

Firefighters Local 4045 President Jarrod Pitts said the leaders promoted Thursday have dedicated their lives to serving their neighbors in the 108-square-mile jurisdiction spanning Hayden, Hayden Lake, Rathdrum, Twin Lakes and Garwood. 

Pitts said after two firefighters were shot and killed and one was seriously injured at Canfield Mountain in June, all of the Northern Lakes Fire leaders promoted, helped provide in-person leadership and support to their staff and to sister agencies reeling from the tragedy. 

"Their years of dedicated service, outstanding professional example and compassion for the people who employ us, the citizens of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, will only continue to evolve our agency," Pitts said. "They treat all of us like family and the area like home, because it is and has been for many years." 

The district has three fire stations and 50 line firefighters, with that number expected to grow to 62 in 2026. 

Croffoot said the district will focus on transparency, deepening community connections, and keeping pace with growth.

"We will always deliver top-notch service and compassion," he said.

    Della and Danica Croffoot take turns affixing buttons on Kevin Croffoot's shirt to indicate his new role as fire chief for Northern Lakes Protection District.

    Luke Michael sworn in by Mike Pearce as a deputy fire chief at Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Thursday.