Mangus steps down, new officers step up

Bob Mangus has been a volunteer with the Lovell Fire Department since 1982. During his 42 years of service, he was elected and re-elected to be captain by his peers numerous times since 1992. About six years ago he was elected assistant chief. During the most recent election, he decided not to run. Mangus said though he’s stepped down from a management role, he plans to continue to volunteer. 

To become a volunteer, new members are voted in by their peers. Those who choose to run for officer positions like chief, captain and assistant chief are voted in for three-year terms by fellow firefighters.

According to Fire Chief Mike Jameson, it’s usually the more experienced firefighters who offer to run for the management positions one three-year term at a time. Mangus said he didn’t run again because he felt like it was time for one of the younger volunteers to take on a management role, along with the added responsibilities that go with that role.

“I’m not sad about not being an officer anymore,” said Mangus.  “If the new officers want my advice, I’ll give it. Otherwise, I’ll just go to a fire like everybody else. I’ll just carry a pager, and the one who takes my place will have the radio. I’m fine with that. We’re just switching positions that’s all.”

Mangus plans to continue to volunteer as he is able.

“I’ll stay on with the department until my body tells me not to stay anymore,” he said. “If I can help, I will.”

He noted that it’s not uncommon for members to volunteer for many years and for various members to take on management positions for various lengths of time.

“I was about 22 at the time I joined and was working at Colloid,” explained Mangus. “Jim Minchow and Bruce Morrison and I all got voted in at the same time. I’m one of the longest ones here now.”

Mangus said part of the reason he wanted to join the all-volunteer fire crew was to follow in his father Ferrell’s footsteps. Ferrell Mangus volunteered with the department from 1962 to 1997 and preceded Bob as facilities manager for the district, until Bob took over the job in 1983. Bob will resign from that position in May, as well.

“I knew all the guys at the time, and they encouraged me to throw my name in the hat,” said Bob. “I served with most of the old timers who have passed away now.”

Like many others who volunteered over the years, Bob said he wanted to do something for his community. Since he joined, the firefighting team has grown to 28 members, covering a 900-square mile area. The team responds to every type of fire incident from burning houses to haystack fires to vehicle accidents. In 2024, the volunteers responded to 130 incidents. The team also assists local search and rescue teams, as needed. In fact, many of its members also volunteer on North Big Horn County Search and Rescue team.  

“That’s why we need a lot of people; it takes a lot to cover it all,” said Bob. “Some incidents take several hours, and it’s not just going to fires. There’s also a lot of training involved, including fire school. There’s the food baskets and other programs we do. It takes a lot of time and commitment. It’s not like you join the fire department and just go to fires. Sometimes there’s not enough people to go everywhere we need them. Sometimes it takes everyone in the county.  Fortunately, we have a great county when it comes to working together.”

He praised the excellent management decisions made by the organization’s board of directors.

“The board has always been great,” said Bob. “If we have the money and we really need it, we don’t have to beg for it. They are very supportive of us. You can tell by the equipment we have. We know how to manage our money. We’re the only fire department that runs on three and half mils.”

New Officers

Lynn Hitz will be replacing Bob as assistant chief. Hitz has volunteered with the department for 23 years, most recently serving as captain. As an officer, he will continue to be one of the first on the scene to assess the situation, which is like what he did as captain.

Hitz was born and raised in Lovell. He said he joined the fire crew because he wanted to give back to the community.

“I’ve always looked up to the guys on the fire department as some of the best men in town,” he said. “Growing up, they were some of my biggest heroes. They were role models.

 “I’ve always appreciated Bob’s knowledge and friendship. He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to.”

Zach Blain is the new department captain, replacing Hitz. Blain has been a volunteer with the department for five years. He brings 15 years of experience as a wildland firefighter with the Forest Service to the job. Though firefighting was only part of his job with the Forest Service, he gained a tremendous amount of training and knowledge through his association with the agency. 

“I think I can bring some firefighting experience and leadership experience from the extensive training I received with the Forest Service,” he said. “It’s great to be able to help out the community and to play into the strengths that I have from my years of Forest Service work. It’s very exciting work. You never know what’s going to happen.”

When an incident call comes in over the radio, at least one officer (chief, assistant chief and/or captain) is first to arrive on the scene.

“We’re just going to try to keep things going like they have been and provide excellent service like we have been doing for a long time here. Hopefully, we’ll be able to expand things and improve where we can, whenever we can.”

Jameson praised Bob for his dedication to the department. 

“We appreciate all the hard work Bob has put in, both as a firefighter and with the district, maintaining our trucks and the facility for us,” said Jameson. “He’s been a great asset, especially for me as chief. I fall back on a lot of his knowledge when making calls. You only gain that kind of knowledge through experience, and he has a lot of it.”