Havre fire chief retires, assistant fire chief steps down

Editor's note: This version adds comments from the Rural Fire District 1 Board chair.

Havre Fire Chief Mel Paulson is retiring from the Havre Fire Department Friday, and Assistant Havre Fire Chief Nathan Courtnage is stepping down from his position Monday, seemingly leaving the city without a municipal fire chief.

Paulson said Thursday morning that he doesn't 100 percent want to retire but he feels he needs to.

"I just feel it's time," he said.

Courtnage said he cannot talk about why he is stepping down.

Paulson said they will help as much as they can with the leadership transition and...