Almost three weeks after the Coeur d’Alene City Council unanimously voted to approve Fire Department Capt. Jake Bieker, as the new fire chief, has declined the city’s offer. 

“We made an offer to Mr. Bieker and he decided he would better serve the city as a firefighter.” said Mayor Dan Gookin on Tuesday.

The city’s next choice for the position is John Fugitt, who is serving as deputy chief administrator/fire marshal for the Fullerton Fire Department in Fullerton, Calif. He has 25 years of experience, advancing through the ranks from firefighter to paramedic, engineer, captain, battalion chief and deputy chief.

According to Gookin, the choice was "really close" between Fugitt and Bieker, and they felt lucky that Fugitt was still interested.

The City Council will consider approving Fugitt as the new fire chief during tonight's City Council meeting at 6.

Fire Chief Tom Greif is retiring on April 16.