Jay Hagen Appointed as New Fire Chief of Kalispell Fire Department

KALISPELL, Mont. — Jay Hagen has been appointed as the new Fire Chief of the Kalispell Fire Department, effective May 5, 2025. Hagen, who previously served as the Fire Chief in Bellevue, Washington since 2018, will succeed the retiring Chief Dan Pearce.

Dan Pearce was instrumental in the 2024 emergency responder levy and addressing staffing recommendations by the Center for Public Safety Management. Reflecting on his new role, Hagen remarked, “I am excited and grateful to join the City of Kalispell and return to Western Montana, where my firefighting career began.”

The new Chief has a robust background in fire service with over 30 years of experience, including roles in fire prevention and administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School. Hagen’s leadership has been recognized with a 2024 Distinguished Service Award by the King County Fire Chief’s Association.

City Manager Doug Russell expressed confidence in Hagen’s capabilities, noting, “As Kalispell experiences rapid growth, we are confident in Chief Hagen’s leadership to continue enhancing our fire services and implementing vital infrastructure developments, such as an additional fire station, as recommended in the 2023 CPSM report.”