Pocatello Fire Chief Retires After 24 Years of Service

Ryan O'Hearn reflects on his career and looks forward to teaching the next generation of firefighters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a firefighter's helmet repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the iconic equipment and service of a retiring fire chief.The vibrant legacy of a longtime fire chief's service is celebrated through a pop art tribute to the tools of the trade.Pocatello Today

After a 24-year career with the Pocatello Fire Department, including the last four years as fire chief, Ryan O'Hearn has retired. O'Hearn started as a firefighter in 2002 and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming chief in 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw improvements to the department's staffing, wildland firefighting capabilities, and equipment.

Why it matters

O'Hearn's retirement marks the end of an era for the Pocatello Fire Department, which has seen significant changes and growth under his leadership. His focus on building relationships, both within the department and with the broader community, has been a hallmark of his tenure. As he transitions to teaching the next generation of firefighters, his experience and expertise will be invaluable.

The details

O'Hearn began his career with the Pocatello Fire Department in 2002 after previously working in sales and at a hospital. He worked his way up from a rookie firefighter to paramedic, captain, and assistant chief of operations before being appointed fire chief in 2022. As chief, he oversaw the restructuring of the department's staffing and pay system for paramedics, the development of a robust wildland firefighting program, and the acquisition of a new tiller truck to improve maneuverability.

  • O'Hearn became a firefighter with the department in 2002.
  • He was promoted to paramedic in 2008 and captain in 2014.
  • O'Hearn became the assistant chief of operations in 2020.
  • He was appointed fire chief in 2022.
  • O'Hearn retired from his position at the end of March 2026.

The players

Ryan O'Hearn

The recently retired fire chief of the Pocatello Fire Department, who spent 24 years with the department and worked his way up from a rookie firefighter to the top leadership role.

Pocatello Fire Department

The fire department in Pocatello, Idaho, which O'Hearn served for over two decades, including the last four years as fire chief.

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What they’re saying

“I really have enjoyed working with everybody in the department and throughout the city, and even relationships that we have outside the city with other agencies … (ensuring) that we're meeting the needs of the community.”

— Ryan O'Hearn, Retired Fire Chief

“Now it's less of a promoted position where somebody is on the ambulance all the time, and now we use them more throughout our system, which I think is a better use of the position. It allows for more flexibility in our employees. They move around more from the ambulance to one of the other apparatus … and I think it prevents burnout of our paramedics.”

— Ryan O'Hearn, Retired Fire Chief

What’s next

O'Hearn has begun teaching classes in the Fire Services Administration program at Idaho State University, where he will focus on preparing the next generation of fire service leaders.

The takeaway

O'Hearn's retirement marks the end of an era for the Pocatello Fire Department, but his legacy of building strong relationships, improving staffing and equipment, and developing a robust wildland firefighting program will continue to benefit the community. As he transitions to teaching, his expertise will be invaluable in shaping the future of the fire service.