CDA Fire Captain Jake Bieker Chosen to be the Next Fire Chief

Following a thorough search for the next leader of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, beginning with 44 total applicants, Interim City Administrator Ron Jacobson recommended to City Council that Coeur d’Alene Fire Captain Jake Bieker be the next Fire Chief of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.  City Council agreed and unanimously approved the appointment of Jake Beiker as the next Fire Chief on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.  City Council cited the integrity of the selection process and the work of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department to prepare its next leader as reasoning for supporting a local internal candidate.

Jake joined the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department in 2002 and was previously with the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department while he attended the University of Idaho.  Jake has been a member of the technical rescue team since its inception and has been promoted up through the ranks to Captain, while also having experience working up as a Battalion Chief.  Additionally, Jake has extensive union experience working with the Coeur d’Alene Firefighters Local No. 710, the Professional Firefighters of Idaho (PFFI), and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

Mayor Dan Gookin stated, “We are extremely proud of the work that Captain Bieker has put in to prepare himself to be the next leader of our Fire Department.  As a local candidate he will be ready to step right in and hit the ground running when current Fire Chief Thomas Greif retires in April.”

He added, “Captain Jake Bieker has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Coeur d’Alene throughout his career, and I’m proud to welcome him as our next Fire Chief. His experience, integrity, and dedication to this community make him the right person to lead the department forward. Congratulations to Chief Bieker and thank you to everyone who contributed to this important selection process.” ###