Chief Pat Warkentin to retire from BFFD

Lt. Winey named Fire Chief

By STAR SILVA

Editor

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry Mayor David Sims, with the Bonners Ferry City Council’s approval, appointed Lt. David Winey to take the helm as Fire Chief of the City of Bonners Ferry Fire Department when current Fire Chief Pat Warkentin retires next month.

It was announced on March 7, that Lt. Winey would step into his new role, and Chief Warkentin would retire on April 15, after nearly nine years of dedicated service with the department.

“We are really pleased that David has accepted the position of fire chief,” Mayor Sims said. “He has an excellent record of service with our department.”

Lt. Winey, who joined the BFFD in 1979, says he is honored to fill the role of fire chief.

“I feel honored to be a part of, and serve, the Bonners Ferry community,” Lt. Winey said. “Our fire department will continue to maintain the excellence our community expects from us. I am thankful for this opportunity and consider it a privilege.”

Lt. Winey, who also serves as the fire investigator, said he looks forward to continue working with Chief Warkentin, who will remain a volunteer for the department, and will also serve alongside Lt. Winey on the Fire Investigation Unit under the Boundary County Sheriff’s Volunteer Support Unit (SVSU).

Mayor Sims said he is grateful that the city won’t be losing Chief Warkentin altogether.

“The city has been very fortunate to have had him as our chief for all of these years,” Mayor Sims said of Chief Warkentin. “He has served the city and our department well. With his experience and expertise, we are grateful that he will remain on the department. He is an asset to our department and to our community.”

Chief Warkentin said he looks forward to continue working with Lt. Winey and feels confident in his leadership abilities.

“I know that the department will be in good hands when I pass the torch to David after my retirement,” Chief Warkentin said.

Chief Warkentin joined the BFFD in 2007 and was appointed chief by former Bonners Ferry Mayor David Anderson in September 2008, after the late Bonners Ferry Fire Chief Larry Owsley passed away in June 2008.

Prior to his appointment, Chief Warkentin served as a Deputy Resource Officer in Bonner County and a private Fire Insurance Investigator in Idaho, Montana, and Denver, Colo.

From 1973 to 2001, Chief Warkentin served on the Denver Fire Department, with 16 of those years as an investigator on the Arson Squad.

At the same time, from 1973 to 1985, Chief Warkentin served as Fire Chief for the Central City Volunteer Fire Department in Central City, Colo.

From 1979 to 1985, Chief Warkentin served on the Central City Police Department, and was appointed Chief of Police in 1980.

Chief Warkentin said he isn’t quite ready to retire completely; he just wants to spend a little more leisure time at home with his wife.