Brothers Dustin and Damian Dicks are now the top two officials on the Powell Volunteer Fire Department. Dustin is the new chief, replacing Cory Baker in the role, and Damian is now assistant chief.

Dustin has been on the force for 21 years and said he was motivated to run for the position out of a sense of duty.

“It just felt like it was my time to give back and help keep the momentum of the department going in the right direction,” Dustin said.

Damian was chief for four years from 2015 to 2019 and has served in the department for 18 years. 

“I have full faith in Dustin’s ability to lead and look forward to working with him to do what’s best for the department,” Damian said.

Dustin said he looks forward to having his older brother at his side through at least the first year of his term.

“I kind of know what he’s thinking, he knows what I’m thinking,” Dustin said. “He does have past experience, so it’s nice to have that knowledge and experience to draw from.”

Fire chief is a two-year term and assistant chief, captain and the first and second lieutenants serve a one-year term. Jason Fields was elected captain, Travis Mogar first lieutenant and Pete DiPilla second lieutenant.

Some serving on the all-volunteer department had issues with having brothers in the top two positions, board treasurer Roger Easum said during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Park County Fire District No. 1 Board of Directors. But newly-elected Cpt. Fields stood up to defend a long history of family members serving.

“We have two brothers that are backing each other. We should be proud of having family in the fire department,” he said. “Look down the department’s list of how many fathers and sons have continued to be firemen in Powell.”

The Dicks family service runs deep in the department: Board member Jerry Faxon is an uncle to Dustin and Damian and their grandfather, Don Faxon, also served on the board. The board voted unanimously to install the newly elected officers.

There are currently two firefighter positions open in the department. Applications are available during business hours at the station, located at 1101 E. South St.