Summit County, Utah (March 17, 2022) — The North Summit Fire District Administrative Control Board passed a recommendation to the Summit County Council that offers a contract to Benjamin L. Nielson to be hired as Fire Chief of the North Summit Fire District. This decision is pending agreement by both parties and approval during a public County Council meeting.
Nielson began his career as a firefighter with Clinton City Fire Department in 2004, where he served the community for 18 years and was promoted to the rank of Senior Captain. He has a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Service Administration and a master’s degree in Public Services Administration, both from Utah Valley University.
“I look forward to working with the community and the North Summit Fire District firefighters in this new role,” Nielson said. “The theme of my career has always been to progress and grow. I do not take this opportunity lightly and am eager to learn from and share the knowledge and skills I have with this great organization.”
In addition to Clinton City, Nielson also served in the North Davis Fire District. Nielson is also a designated Supervising Fire Officer and Managing Fire Officer through Utah Fire and Rescue Academy.
“We look forward to working closely with Chief Ben Nielson on the future of the North Summit Fire District,” Summit County Council Chair Chris Robinson said. “Selecting a chief was the first step to addressing the service gaps in the North Summit community. There are still many questions to be answered and decisions to be made, but I am confident we are on the right track. I want to thank my colleagues on County Council, the expanded Administrative Control Board and the North Summit community leaders that provided input throughout the selection process.”
Prior to conducting interviews for the fire chief position, the Summit County Council expanded the North Summit Fire Administrative Control Board from five to nine members, including two seats for Council members Chris Robinson and Roger Armstrong and two seats filled by Don Donaldson and Ari Ioannides, two residents of the North Summit Community. Following approval of a fire chief, Council and the Administrative Control Board will immediately work with the Chief to bring back the volunteer service to provide fire services in the district and ensure the volunteers can safely provide those services.