After two hours of talks in a closed door meeting, the board named Assistant Chief Scott Olsen the interim chief. Olsen was one of two candidates for the interim position. He takes the job of former chief Steve Paulsell.

Paulsell was forced to step down from his position last week after months of salary disputes, multiple lawsuits, and an in-house affair.

Olsen started with the fire district 22 years ago as a volunteer fire fighter. Now that he's moved up to interim chief, Olsen says he's seen what needs to be done within the district. His first priority is to improve communication with his staff and the community.

"We need to regain our credibility to both, not only the citizens but to our own volunteer fire fighters, and I think the best way to do that is certainly maintain on open dialogue with all parties involved," Olsen said.

"Olsen has shown a strong commitment to the Boone County Fire Protection District," board chairman John Gordon said. "He's well liked by the staff, he's well liked by the volunteers. He has an extensive background in the areas of what we need."

Board members say they'll sit down soon to figure out the process for hiring a permanent chief.

Olsen says he'll apply for the job when the posting comes out.