Olsen named new fire Boone County fire chief

Olsen was the first leader of Missouri Task Force 1.

By Kayla Huett

Published Nov. 13, 2009

The Boone County Fire Protection District Board of Directors, led by member David Griggs, introduced Scott Olsen on Tuesday as Boone County's new fire chief.

Olsen is no stranger to the Boone County Fire District. Griggs said starting in 1979, Olsen has held many crucial positions leading up to the role as the first leader of Missouri Task Force 1.

"He was instrumental in helping us procure Task Force 1," Griggs said.

Olsen said he has also recently held the position of assistant and deputy chief of operations and preparedness.

Olsen is succeeding former fire chief Steve Paulsell, under whom Olsen served. According to the Fire Protection District's official Web site, Paulsell retired his position in November of last year after being chief for 38 years.

Olsen said he has no preconceived notions at this time on any changes he plans to make as chief.

"We are looking forward," fire district John Wilke said. "The future of the Boone County fire district and the services we can deliver to the community has never looked better."

Wilke also said Olsen has unchallenged technical skills and expertise, a passion for the job and an equally important compassion for the job and the people with whom he works.

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Scott, who has worked beside Olsen since the early '80s, is excited about Olsen becoming chief. Scott said Olsen gets everyone involved.

"The change has already occurred," Scott said. "Since he has been interim fire chief, more people are involved in decision making and have been going in a little different direction, which is OK."

According to a news release from the fire protection district, the board voted Olsen in with a 3-2 vote Oct. 21.

Olsen is the third fire chief in the county's history. Bill Westhoff assumed the first position of fire chief in 1968, and Paulsell was appointed the first full-time fire chief in 1977, according to the Fire Protection District Web site. Olsen has worked under both chiefs during his career.

According to the news release, Olsen was one of two candidates in running for fire chief. The other was Assistant Chief Kenneth Craft Jr. from Florida.

A nationwide search, assessments, interview and many board meetings were a part of the decision making process leading to Olsen's selection, the release stated.