Clackamas Fire District #1 Board of Directors Names Next Fire Chief

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Monday, October 17th, 2011 was a historical day for Clackamas Fire District #1. After an internal resume review and interview process, the Board of Directors announced the name of the next Fire Chief to replace retiring Fire Chief Ed Kirchhofer. It was an internal process which was open to Deputy Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs.

The three applicants were Deputy Chief Jim Syring, currently assigned as the Administrative Services Chief, Deputy Chief Scott Weninger, currently assigned as the Support Services Chief and Deputy Chief Fred Charlton, currently assigned as the Emergency Services Chief. Out of those very qualified candidates, the Board of Directors chose Fred Charlton as the next Fire Chief to lead the organization.

Chief Charlton began his fire service as a volunteer with the Forest Grove Fire Department in 1989. In 1994 he was hired as a paid firefighter for the City of Milwaukie. In 1997, the Milwaukie Fire Department merged with Clackamas Fire District #1.

Chief Charlton was promoted to the positions of Lieutenant in 2001 and Captain in 2003. In 2007 he was promoted to Battalion Chief and supervised numerous programs including the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR). Chief Charlton currently supervises the Emergency Services Division which includes Fire Operations, Technical Rescue, Training, Emergency Management, and Safety.

Chief Charlton holds an Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology from Portland Community College, a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Oregon University in Fire Administration, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration through Portland State University.Chief Charlton will not officially take over as Fire Chief until July 1st, 2012. He will work side by side for the next eight months with current Fire Chief Ed Kirchhofer to assure a smooth and seamless transition.

Also, during the next eight months Chief Charlton will be involved in several mentoring opportunities with other leaders and CEO's of large organizations to gain further insight as to emerging issues, challenges, and opportunities facing today's leaders.

Board Director Marilyn Wall, along with the other directors, noted during the announcement just how important and hard it was to have to choose one applicant to lead the fire district into the future. Director Wall stated that "this was the most difficult decision I have had to make, due to the caliber of the applicants."

A swearing in ceremony for Chief Charlton is planned for mid 2012 along with the announcement and retirement of Chief Kirchhofer.



Author:Clackamas Fire District #1 Press Release