Andy Butler, longtime battalion chief with the South Jordan Fire Department, will succeed retiring Fire Chief Chris Evans.
City Manager Gary Whatcott said that Butler, who was to take his formal oath of office Tuesday evening during the city council meeting, assumes the post with a wealth of firefighting experience.
"Our community will be in good hands with [Butler]," Whatcott said. "[He] has a vision for the future in emergency and fire services that will preserve the rich history of South Jordan's Fire Department."
Butler began his career as a part-time Salt Lake County firefighter and Draper ambulance employee in 1995, joining SJFD two years later. He worked for six years as a paramedic before being promoted to a captaincy and then later to battalion chief in 2007.
Evans retired last Friday after a career that began in 1983 as a firefighter. Steadily rising through the ranks, he became SJFD's operations battalion chief in 2001, and in 2005 was elevated to the fire chief's position.
"Chief Evans left an unforgettable mark on this community. His focus on delivering the best pre-hospital cardiac care will forever benefit the lives of those who reside in South Jordan. There are many people alive today because of the skilled fire professionals that work under Chief Evans," Whatcott stated.
Butler said he was honored to follow Evans as chief for the department's staff of nearly 70.
"Chief Evans has been an influential and integral part of the South Jordan City Fire Department," Butler said. "He has been a great mentor and a great friend."
remims@sltrib.com
Twitter: @remims
