When Tom Greif has a day off, one would expect him to unwind from the pressures of being Coeur d'Alene's fire chief. Perhaps spend a day golfing or fishing, two of his passions.
Which he might.
But disconnect? Even for a few hours?
He can't.
"Even if I go away for the week or go on vacation, I don't truly unplug. I don't feel like I can. I'm in a position now where I need to know what's going on," Greif said.
It's been more than six months since he stepped in to take the place of the well-liked Kenny Gabriel, who retired after 30 years with the department.
Greif oversees a department of about 70 people with an annual budget of nearly $13 million. Its four stations respond to about 10,000 calls, mostly medical, a year.
That kind of responsibility might make one tense and serious. Greif, though, is relaxed and friendly.
The former deputy fire chief was chosen from among four internal candidates.