Economu named interim chief after English passing

MOYIE SPRINGS — Steve Economu has been named Interim Chief of the Moyie Springs Fire Department following the recent passing of Ken English, the department’s long-time fire chief.

English, 82, who helped found the fire department in 1977, served as Fire Chief for 47 years. The Moyie Springs City Council held a moment of silence in English’s honor at its May 8 meeting. 

Mayor Geoff Hollenbeck said he is grateful for all English’ years of service. 

“It was nice to have someone in the community who cared so much about public safety,” he said, noting that even financially the job was a sacrifice. 

Steve Economu, former Moyie Springs mayor and Assistant Fire Chief, was instated as Interim Chief at the May 8 meeting. He said he would like to wait until June before taking over as Chief as to allow himself time to get affairs in order. 

Economu told the Herald that English’s heart was always in the right place, focused on doing what is best for everyone responding to a fire. 

“He will thoroughly be missed, he is already,” he said. 

When the fire department was founded, city council members were highly encouraged to be volunteers. At this time, Hollenbeck, councilmen Pat Stevens and Terry Johnson are on the department. Other council members are not on the department due to health reasons. 

City staff from the Public Works Department John Nelson and Chris Jensen provide fire watch during the day.