Board chair ‘cautiously optimistic’ about North Summit Fire District

The North Summit Fire District is leaning back to normal following turmoil and a Park City Fire District takeover. Photo: TownLift

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Roger Armstrong, who serves on the Summit County Council and is the North Summit Fire Administrative Control Board chair, said Wednesday that all North Summit Fire District shifts have been filled this month.

The announcement comes after a months-long takeover by the Park City Fire District, following reports of insubordination within the NSFD.

“He’s been able to recruit,” Armstrong said of new NSFD Chief Ben Nielson. “He’s happy with who he’s got.”

Armstrong said the firefighters are currently waiting for new equipment that has been ordered. He said the district is still running on a “very old budget” and that the condition of their equipment reflects that.

“I’m encouraged and cautiously optimistic with where we are right now,” Armstrong added. “Further down the line than I thought we might be at this time.”

NSFD is currently employing 25 firefighters. Under the current pay structure, firefighters receive a $235 stipend for a 12-hour shift. If workers are not on the clock but are called out, they receive $100 for the first three hours, $150 if the callback lasts more than three hours, and $200 if it lasts over six hours.