By Pepper Fisher
Port Angeles – A man who has spent most of the past 54 years as a firefighter and a Fire Commissioner for Clallam 2 Fire Rescue has announced his retirement, and fire officials now have to find the right person to take over the position.
Commissioner Thomas Martin reluctantly announced his resignation at the October 18 Commissioner’s meeting, saying he had to step down due to personal reasons.
Commissioner Martin started as a volunteer firefighter with Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue in 1968. He and former Commissioner Bill Doran were pivotal in getting the emergency medical service (EMS) program started in the Fire District in the 1980s after seeing the need to improve services. He recalled trips to Olympia to lobby for funding from the State for local EMT training and equipment.
Commissioner Martin became the Fire District’s first EMT and was also pivotal in getting the first set of hydraulic extrication tools, commonly known as the Jaws of Life, in our area.
Chief Jake Patterson says Martin leaves some big shoes to fill.
“They are. He’s been part of the fire district since 1968, so, very ingrained in the fire district and he helped it grow from its infancy to what we are today. So, he’s going to be sorely missed. He’s still going to be around, still in the area. Still cares very much about what the fire district’s going to be doing in the future. And so, yeah, he’s going to be around to help mentor and guide any new commissioner into the future.”
The Fire District is governed by a three member Board of Commissioners who are elected to staggered six-year terms by the voters. Commissioner Martin’s term was set to expire at the end of 2023, so there remains 14 months on his term of office.
The Board is seeking someone to fill the position vacated as of October 31st. The appointed person may choose to run as a candidate for the next term if they want.
To qualify, an applicant must be a registered voter residing within the boundaries of the Clallam 2 Fire District.
Submit a letter of interest addressed to the Board of Commissioners, Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue, PO Box 1391, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Letters must be received by 5:00 PM on November 18th.