Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Jeffrey Jarrow was sworn in as Tremonton's new fire chief, succeeding Ned Brady Hansen.
- Jarrow brings experience and leadership qualities, aiming to restore trust in the department.
- City leaders express confidence in Jarrow's ability to lead the department forward.
TREMONTON — It was a moment of both celebration and healing as Tremonton officially welcomed its new fire chief earlier this month.
Jeffrey Jarrow was sworn in during a City Council meeting surrounded by his family, co-workers and community members.
For him, it was more than a title; it was a commitment to serve in a community he knows well.
"To me, this is America. This is what we are about," Jarrow said. "Small town feel, right? Taking care of each other. Helping each other."
Jarrow brings years of experience to the job, including time with departments across Utah.
His most recent job was with the Weber County Fire Department.
Tremonton city leaders said his calm demeanor, fresh ideas and leadership qualities made him the unanimous choice among candidates from across Utah and the country.
"This was an important hire," said Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren. "We are feeling like Jeff brings a new excitement and vibrancy to the department."
The position had been vacant since January, when former Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen was arrested and charged with sexual crimes involving children.
Hansen was immediately placed on leave and later terminated.
The Tremonton Fire Department has since been led by interim co-chiefs.
While Jarrow acknowledged the past can't be ignored, he believes the department and community are ready to move forward.
"I think they realize that he was one person," Jarrow said. "He didn't represent all of us."
Still, Jarrow knows many people in the community will be interested in seeing what he does as chief.
He also knows trust doesn't happen overnight, and even though he and the other firefighters had nothing to do with what happened, Jarrow understands the extra weight of the badge with his hiring.
"Time is the key to everything. It fixes everything," he said. "And people will see I'm not that guy."
City leaders said hiring Jarrow is more than just filling a position; it is a statement about where they want to go from here.
"We are very excited. We are very pleased with Jeff and the direction he's going to take the fire department," Holmgren said.
Jarrow is already at work, focusing on training and safety in the department.
And while reminders of the city's difficult chapter may still come up as legal proceedings continue, city leaders said they are confident Tremonton's fire department is in good hands.
