In a unanimous vote of support Tuesday evening, the Coeur d’Alene City Council selected Jake Bieker as the new fire chief. 

Bieker, who is serving as the current fire captain of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, will take over the helm from Chief Tom Greif, who is retiring April 16. Bieker and Greif were not available for comment.

Councilor Christie Wood said Bieker’s appointment was the right choice.

“If you can promote an internal candidate that’s been loyal to the city — is a brilliant employee — and someone you have complete confidence in — you should appoint,” Wood said. “I fully support Jake Bieker.”

Bieker’s appointment came after a lengthy two-hour council meeting and an hour executive session. Mayor Dan Gookin said Bieker would undergo training before being sworn in April 15.

Police Chief

The search for a new police chief continues, however, as the council disagreed with Interim City Administrator Ron Jacobson's recommendation to appoint Greg Yeager, who is currently serving as deputy chief with the Fort Collins Police Services.

It actually took two votes for the council to make its decision.

Following Jacobson’s recommendation, Wood motioned to reject it. A roll call vote followed, and Wood’s motion failed, 2-4.

“After the first vote to disregard Ron's recommendation to hire Greg Yeager, I would say that about two-thirds of the police in the room walked out,” Gookin said. “They were not happy because they wanted Dave Hagar to be the new chief.”

Counselor Kiki Miller then motioned to approve Jacobson’s recommendation. Evans second it.

Gookin then asked if any council members wanted to discuss the recommendation.

“If we didn’t have an internal candidate, Greg Yeager was my first choice. But we did have an internal — Dave Hagar,” Counselor Dan English said. “We know him and got to know new things about him through this process. I think Dave has earned this.”

Wood agreed.

"Dave Hagar has shown himself to be a stellar employee and has served the city well — he was a very strong candidate,” Wood said. “I prefer to choose an internal candidate any chance we get. Dave has spent over a decade working on behalf of the city. I have complete confidence in him — he would’ve been my choice."

Hagar served as a captain with the police department about eight years and is currently the interim police chief.

Miller wasn’t necessarily leaning toward the local candidate.

“Two of the four candidates were stellar in their interviews — both could be wonderful for the city,” Miller said. “But I have to go with the choice I think has a little more experience.”

Gookin called for a roll call vote. The tally ended up deadlocked at 3-3.

Gookin declined to cast the tiebreaking vote.

“I will not be voting,” he said. “I will not split the council. We’ll continue with the interim chief."

He then asked Jacobson if he had another nomination for police chief.

“No," he said. “I recommend waiting until the permanent city administrator is on board and that we continue with Mr. Hagar as the interim chief.”

    Hagar