Scott Lyon named Iowa City fire chief after retirement of John Grier

Scott Lyon was tapped for Iowa City's top fire department position Tuesday, leaving the rapidly growing Des Moines suburb of Urbandale to become Iowa City fire chief.

Lyon will take the reins in Iowa City in April after serving in the Urbandale Fire Department for eight years, most recently as assistant fire chief and as deputy fire chief for Clive. Lyon was chosen by Iowa City Manager Geoff Fruin from 12 applicants and approved unanimously by the Iowa City Council at Tuesday's meeting.

Lyon, who lives in Adel, received two degrees from Waldorf College, a bachelor's in fire service administration in 2014 and a master's in organizational leadership in 2017, according to an Iowa City news release.

John Grier, Iowa City's former fire chief, retired Feb. 11 after almost 30 serving in the department, including as fire chief since 2013. Lyon's appointment is effective April 4.

"I am so very proud of all we have accomplished together and know even greater accomplishments lie ahead for the department," Grier said in a news release. "Though my career may officially be coming to an end, ICFD and Iowa City will forever remain a huge part of my life story."

Deputy Chief Eric Nurnberg is serving as interim chief.

In a memo to the City Council, Fruin said Lyon has extensive experience working in a regional environment, including fostering automatic and mutual aid agreements and participating in regional emergency management efforts.

Fruin narrowed the 12 applicants for the job to nine that the Civil Service Commission considered. Five candidates became semifinalists and three became finalists before Lyon was certified by the commission last Wednesday.

The decision to pick department heads is normally up to Fruin, but City Council is required to take a vote on his choice for new police chiefs and fire chiefs.

George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (515) 350-6307, GShillcock@press-citizen.com and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Urbandale assistant fire chief Scott Lyon named new Iowa City chief