New fire department chief named

Green River will have a new fire chief, but it will not be a new face or name for the community to remember.

This week, the city of Green River announced Green River Fire Department Capt. Mike Nomis, of Green River, as its new fire chief.

For the past 25 years, Mike has volunteered for the GRFD; and has been in the captain's position since 2010.

"It's been a lifelong dream that I wanted to be fire chief," Mike said.

Mike said, his father, George Nomis, was also the GRFD chief.

"My whole life my dad was on the department," Mike said.

Mike, who is 47, said his father had been a member of the GRFD for 45 years before retiring.

Applying for the chief position is something Mike always wanted to do, but he was waiting for the timing to be right.

"My family and I decided to go after what I wanted to do my whole life," Mike said.

Previously, Mike put in for the assistant chief position, but didn't receive it.

He didn't let this discourage him from going for the chief's position.

Mike went through the application and interview process with the city.

According to a press release from the city of Green River, the interview team, which included a member of the community, a representative of the county and city employees felt fortunate to have had five highly-qualified candidates for the position.

These candidates all possessed exemplary skills, leadership and many years of service that truly demonstrate their passion for the field.  

"I was surprised and excited," Mike said.

Mike, who served as the fire chief with the Rock Springs/Sweetwater County Airport from 2006-14 and most recently with Anadarko, is looking forward to this new role.

Mike said he just cannot wait to officially take over the fire chief position, which will happen Monday.

Mike said he will work closely with interim chief, and assistant chief, Mike Liberty and battalion chief Larry Erdmann.

Mike is replacing Chief Mike Kennedy who retired in January of 2016.

"I'd just like to thank the firefighters for their support," Mike said.

He also wanted to thank his wife, Stephanie and daughters, Sierra and Stevie, for all of their support.

Nomis will officially be presented his badge at the Green River City Council meeting on Sept. 6, the city press release stated.