Right Hand Man

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Right Hand Man

By Nick Lough

Story Published: May 15, 2008 at 11:46 AM MST

Story Updated: May 16, 2008 at 7:10 AM MST

BILLINGS - The search is finally over for the vacant Billings Fire Chief position. City administrator Tina Volek announces Paul Dextras as the new chief.

Chief Dextras says he's very excited to be coming to the magic city as the new fire chief and he says he's planning on starting work on June 23rd. Chief Dextras has more than 35 years of fire service experience.

He started his career with the Wichita Fire Department in 1972 and was with them until 1994. From 1994-to-1997 he was the Assistant Fire Chief in Independence, Missouri. He then moved on to become the Fire Chief in Logan, Utah from 1997-to-2000. Dextras also was the Fire Chief in Arvada, Colorado from 2000-to-2007.

He says while he's moved through several fire departments he plans on finishing his career in Billings. "At this point in my career I certainly don't have to be changing to different departments. It's my intent that my career will end with the Billings Fire Department and I look forward to a long tenure in that community with the men and women of the department," said Dextras.

Interim Fire Chief John Staley was the other finalist for the position. Dextras says he plans on having Staley be his right hand man as the fire department transitions into a new era.

Thursday, May 15 at 6:04 PM Tori wrote ...

This is just another example of the City Council and Tina Volek "showing" us that we can't tell them what to do. I feel that they are showing the fire department retaliation for filing the suit against the city. I think the city of Billings needs to vote on city administrator...let's bring in an "outsider" and send Volek packing...we'll see how she likes it. The CITY COUNCIL is what needs 'change,' not the Fire Department!

Thursday, May 15 at 5:09 PM dac wrote ...

Why do they- the City Council keep doing this??? You think they would have learned by their previous mistakes of hiring out of state people when we have people here who are quite capible of doing the job. Maybe the people of Billings should get to vote on who we want!!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 1:29 PM FFMedic wrote ...

It would be nice to see the list of dramatic changes Ms Volek is looking for in the department. The only reason you hire a qualified outside person over a qualified inside person is because you believe that sweeping changes need to be made. To the BFD staff - hold on to your hats boys, your going for a ride.

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