BLUFFDALE - This southwest corner of Salt Lake County went without a fire chief for four months before city officials opted to promote from within. This week, Bluffdale's City Council unanimously approved John Roberts to be the city's next fire chief. Roberts, who was an assistant chief, has been working with the Bluffdale Fire Department for about 26 years. "He's done an excellent job," outgoing Mayor Wayne Mortimer said. Roberts replaces Steve Wanlass, who resigned in August. His departure came amid controversy; Wanlass stepped down after a four-hour closed-door meeting with the City Council. The night of the resignation one firefighter dumped a firefighter's jacket, pants, boots and helmet on the desk of the City Council. Another left in tears. Wanlass also had been with the department for 26 years. No one would say publicly what led to the closed-door meeting or Wanlass' resignation. Mortimer nominated Roberts for the post to bring stability to the department. "They need some leadership and some consistency," said the mayor. - Jacob Santini