Former mayor, police officer who loved his Idaho city ‘more than anything’ dies at 60

Jared Fuhriman, the former mayor of Idaho Falls, died Sunday at the age of 60.

Fuhriman was elected in 2006 after working for the Idaho Falls Police Department. He was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2011 at age 48 and left the mayor’s office two years later. He eventually withdrew from public life while battling Alzheimer’s disease.

“My dad loved this city. He loved Idaho Falls more than anything — whether he was mayor or police officer — my dad truly loved the people here and the people he served,” Fuhriman’s son, Dallen Fuhriman, told EastIdahoNews.com.

While mayor, Fuhriman started the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, stating, “It takes an entire community to keep the light of success and achievement burning. Idaho Falls is one such place, and I am both privileged and honored to live here with you.” He also worked closely with teenagers in the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and volunteered on many boards and committees for the city.

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper, who succeeded Jared Fuhriman, issued a statement on his death Monday.

“Mayor Fuhriman served our community to the best of his ability and had a way of making everyone around him feel good with his friendly and reassuring demeanor,” Casper said.

Jared Fuhriman died at home with his family by his side. He was married to his wife, Karen, for 39 years. They have eight children and 17 grandchildren. A funeral will be held Friday.