By GWEN ALBERSManaging editor

Bonners Ferry City Council is looking for a new police chief and fire chief.

Police Chief Dave Kramer will retire Aug. 1. A 30-year veteran of the police force, Kramer was able to retire with full benefits due to a combination of his age and years of service.

Fire chief Larry Glenn Owsley died from cancer on June 20. Owsley joined the fire department in the late 1970s and was named chief five years ago.

Although Bonners Ferry Police Deputy Chief Rick Alonzo is interested in the police chief’s job, it’s a matter of practice to advertise, said city administrator Stephen Boorman.

“We always advertise for all of our openings with the job service,” Boorman said. “It keeps it clean and tidy, and it’s a great way to see everyone who’s available.”

Mayor Dave Anderson is expected interview applicants and make a recommendation to city council. July 23 is the deadline to apply for the job through the Idaho Department of Commerce in Bonners Ferry. The job pays $45,000 to $53,500 annually plus benefits.

The job requires three years minimum command experience in law enforcement, completion of upper management training such as the FBI National Academy or a four-year college degree with course work in criminology, law enforcement, social science or public administration.

The fire chief’s job is a part-time position with benefits. The chief receives a stipend. Anyone interested should drop off a letter of interest at City Hall at 7232 Main St. prior to Aug. 31.

“That’s a tough one,” Boorman said. “There’s a lot of qualified candidates that don’t want the job. It will be someone that has a real desire and heart to do it.”

Assistant chief John Youngwirth is filling in.