Everett Fire Chief To Retire In January

September 29, 2016

Everett, Everett Fire, Everett Government

Just received this from the City of Everett…

Everett Fire Chief

Yesterday Chief Gordon introduced the city’s newest firefighters to the Everett City Council.

Everett Fire Chief Murray Gordon announced Thursday that he will retire from the City in January 2017. Gordon joined the department as a firefighter in 1977 and has served as chief for 16 years.

“Chief Gordon has dedicated his life and career to our community, and I am incredibly grateful for his service and leadership,” said Mayor Ray Stephanson. “He has guided the department through many difficult challenges, including the worst recession of our lifetimes, and he has done so with thoughtfulness and a positive outlook.”

Gordon began his career as a firefighter assigned to Station 2 on Oakes Avenue in downtown Everett. He rose through the ranks, becoming deputy chief of EMS in 1990 and a fire captain in 1994. In 2001 he was tapped to lead the department by then-Mayor Ed Hansen.

“My family is from Everett, I grew up in Everett, I attended Everett schools and I worked my first job at age 14 bagging groceries in Everett,” said Gordon. “It has been an honor to serve my neighbors and fellow Everett community members for 40 years.”

As chief, Gordon led several major projects and initiatives for the department, including the replacement of Fire Station 5 in 2003, the creation of the Office of Emergency Management, the development of a new multi-tier hiring process and enhancements to the department’s promotional process, and the conversion to the New World System. In the final year of his career, he has helped spearhead an effort to create the Snohomish County Regional Fire Training Consortium.

“Our first responders provide a vital service, and every day they put themselves at risk in order to protect the lives and properties of others,” said Gordon. “It has been a privilege to serve alongside the members of our department, and to help shape the future of the fire service in our region.”

Gordon serves on many state and local organizations, including the SNOPAC Board of Directors, the Snohomish Emergency Radio System (SERS), the Washington Fire Chiefs Board of Directors, and the CAD Oversight Council, which he currently chairs. He has previously served as president of the Snohomish County EMS Council, the North Region EMS Council, the Everett Medic One Foundation, the Snohomish County Fire Chiefs, and the Washington Fire Chiefs Board of Directors.

The Mayor will announce a plan for the chief’s replacement in October. Gordon’s last day with the City will be Jan. 20, 2017.


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