By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Havre Fire Chief Mel Paulson is retiring, effective June 24th.
Paulson told New Media Broadcasters about his resignation on Wednesday morning, and provided a copy of the letter he sent to City Officials.
Dated May 31st, the letter says he will be retiring after serving the city for 27 years, including the last 5.5 years as Fire Chief.
Paulson did not detail a reason for stepping down, but said he is “proud of all the things that were accomplished during my tenure yet saddened that I will not be a part of all the great things ahead. There have been incredible changes and challenges in the department since I first arrived in April of 1996. Those challenges and changes will continue and the personnel of this department will undoubtedly be up to the challenge.”
Paulson said that Assistant Fire Chief Nate Courtnage will also be stepping down, but it is unclear when his last day in the position will be.
Paulson says the city is now looking to hire new leadership for the Fire Department. In the interim, it is unclear what leadership at the department will look like.
New Media Broadcasters reached out to Courtnage, as well as Mayor Doug Kaercher, for comment. If and when responses are provided, this story will be updated.
A copy of Paulson’s resignation letter can be viewed here.
