Tetrault served in BSFD for eight years, announces retirement amid battle with autoimmune-related health complications
EBS STAFF
Big Sky Fire Department Chief Dustin Tetrault will retire from his role in June or July this year, an April 16 BSFD press release announced. Tetrault has served in public safety for more than 20 years, and dedicated over 10 years to service in Big Sky.
“Chief Tetrault’s decision comes after a prolonged and ongoing battle with autoimmune-related health complications. Following a nearly month-long medical leave and a subsequent return to duty under limited work restrictions, he has made the decision, in consultation with his healthcare team and family, to step away from his role to focus on his health,” the release stated.
Tetrault stepped into the role of chief in July 2024 after serving in BSFD for six years, and has been in public service in Big Sky for 11 years, starting in emergency management. Under his leadership, Tetrault has progressed the region’s preparedness for wildfire incidents, emergency response and community risk reduction.
“It has been an honor to serve this community and lead the dedicated professionals of the Big Sky Fire Department,” Tetrault stated in the release. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this time.”
His retirement announcement comes at a tumultuous time for the Big Sky Fire Department. The fire department began pushing for more investigation into its tax collections after seeing revenues surge starting in 2022, and those questions led to the discovery of an $8.3 million overcollection due to a Gallatin County tax error. Since, the fire department made cuts to programs and projects and is solving for a $2.3 million cut in tax revenue. In the aftermath, Tetrault and his leadership volunteered salary cuts to assist with cost concerns.
“We are in a challenging time right now, and I recognize that,” Tetrault stated. “But this department has the people, the capability, and the foundation to get through it and come out stronger on the other side.”
During his time as chief, Tetrault also oversaw planning for Station 3 in the Spanish Peaks club, Montana’s first station funded through a Rural Improvement District. He honored employees at the department’s first recognition ceremony in May. He also worked to improve organization development and strategic planning for the department, on top of ensuring transparency about fire department issues in a February public forum.
“During his tenure, he emphasized transparency, accountability, and building systems designed to support both the department and the greater Big Sky Community,” the release stated.
In the coming weeks, the fire department board of trustees will provide updates on leadership change.
