Givens resigns as county EMS chief

SANDPOINT — John Givens is extricating himself from the position of Bonner County Emergency Medical Services chief.

Bonner County Commissioners accepted Givens’ resignation following a brief executive session with the county’s personnel director on Tuesday.

Givens’ resignation takes effect today. Deputy Chief Matt Avidan will serve as interim chief until Givens’ successor is hired, said Pamela Allen, the county’s human resources director.

Givens did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. When reached for comment, Givens said his resignation was due to “ongoing health issues that need to be resolved.” He declined to elaborate.

“I’m just probably going to take it easy for a while and enjoy my garden, flying and golf,” Givens said.

In his brief, three-paragraph letter of resignation, Givens said he’s stepping down “with somewhat of a heavy heart” and offers to assist with training his replacement so there is a smooth transition.

Givens also thanks commissioners for the opportunity to serve the department.

“My experience here has been rewarding and productive, and I wish only the best for you — and the county,” Givens wrote in the letter.

Givens’ resignation comes about 15 months after he was appointed to head the department. His predecessors include Steve Kukuruza, who now works as a crash reconstruction consultant, and Bob Howard, the county’s director of Emergency Management.

Givens, a retired U.S. Navy officer and Ponderay Police officer, joined Bonner County EMS in 2006 as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Commissioners hope to have a successor appointed within the next 30 days. The advertised annual salary range for the post is $49,000-$52,000, Allen said.