Zak Overmyer has officially begun his duties as the Haines Volunteer Fire Department’s first ever full-time paid chief.
Overmyer was sworn in at a Monday ceremony in the American Legion Hall. The ceremony included an emergency radio broadcast announcing the transfer of leadership from outgoing chief Brian Clay to Overmyer.
The moment marked a change for the formerly volunteer-led department. Department captain Matt Boron spoke at the ceremony, recognizing figures who “built the department into what it is today.” That included current department members Alan Heinrich, the current longest serving volunteer at 48 years, Al Badgley, who was the longest-serving paid staff-member in the department, and longtime medical director Julie Anderson.
Outgoing chief Clay, who will be staying on as assistant chief, also spoke to the historic nature of the moment. “We’re going through changes, but I think it’s a change for the good,” Clay said. “Our mission stays the same: protect and serve those who live in this valley to the best of our ability, and get everyone home safe.”
Starting the job Tuesday was a quick turnaround for Overmyer, who arrived in town only 24 hours before being sworn in. The move, he said, was made easier by Clay and four other volunteer firefighters, who arrived unannounced at his door last night to help him unload.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome,” he said.
The position is Overmyer’s first time heading a fire department. He comes to Haines from the Chugiak Fire Department where he was a captain.
Overmyer’s father, Tod Overmyer, a recently-retired former firefighter in Illinois, was on-hand to watch his son be sworn in. The elder Overmyer recounted how his son, from age seven, would help out at the station doing paperwork and assisting on the radio.
“This isn’t surprising at all,” Tod Overmyer said of his son’s new role. “He’s been doing this since he was a little kid.”
Correction: The original article incorrectly stated new fire chief Zak Overmyer’s former rank in the Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company.
