Havre has a fire chief

After several days of confusion regarding the Havre Fire Department's future leadership, former Assistant Havre Fire Chief Nathan Courtnage confirmed this morning that he has been named the new Havre fire chief.

Courtnage said he and Havre Mayor Doug Kaercher will be releasing a joint statement later today regarding the change.

This appointment comes after the announcement last week that then-Havre Fire Chief Mel Paulson was retiring from the Havre Fire Department effective Friday, and that Courtnage would be stepping down from his position effective today, seemingly leaving the city without a municipal fire chief.

Paulson said Thursday morning that he didn't 100 percent want to retire, but he feels he needs to.

"I just feel it's time," he said.

Courtnage said Thursday he couldn't talk about why he is stepping down.

Hill County Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Amanda Frickel said Wednesday evening she was told Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich would be given control of the department, which she said is a serious problem.

She said Matosich did not meet the requirements of a fire chief

After the announcement that Courtnage would take over, Frickel said she couldn't be more pleased.

"He will be a wonderful chief and will lead his department with integrity and diligence," she said.

Frickel said the change of course in the department's leadership is a relief to her.

Last week she expressed serious concerns about the city being left without a fire chief, something she feared would put them in violation of a contract the city has with Rural Fire District 1, a ring of land in Hill County around city limits to which Havre Fire Department provides fire suppression services and possibly opening the city to a lawsuit.