The two finalists to take the helm of the Boise Fire Department made their case to the community Wednesday night.
In a virtual town hall broadcast from Boise City Council chambers, Phoenix, Arizona Assistant Chief Scott Walker and Richmond, California Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard answered questions from the public about why they should be selected as the leader of the city’s fire department. They both talked about the importance of serving the community, keeping firefighters safe and making critical decisions.
Walker worked his way up through the ranks in Phoenix and served 26 years with the department. He served in various roles with the organization, including recruit training officer, public information officer and command staff. He said he was not initially looking to leave Phoenix, but when he saw the qualifications Mayor Lauren McLean advertised he said he met all of her criteria and the job and Boise’s quality of life “called” him.
“I don’t just want to be a fire chief, I want to be a fire chief in a community where I can have impact,” he said.