By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Chehalis Fire Department Chief Kelvin Johnson’s last day isn’t until next week, but a farewell gathering is planned on Friday evening at the Riverside Golf Club.
Johnson began as a probationary firefighter in his hometown of Idaho Falls in 1978, spent five years in Puyallup working as deputy chief and the past five years as the chief in Chehalis.
It’s time to move on, and back home, he said. He and his wife are relocating to the Boise area.
“I’ve been in the fire service now close to 35 years, I’m over 60,” Johnson said. “I have a grandson and family in Idaho and I’ve had what I consider a very long and successful and enjoyable career.”
Johnson said he hopes to do more teaching, with the National Fire Academy in Maryland.
The Chehalis department has been working more closely with neighboring agencies over the past several years, something that seems like it will become more official perhaps in the not-too-distant future, according to Johnson.
The rural fire districts in Napavine and outside Chehalis have decided not to be involved, but Chehalis and Centralia’s Riverside Fire Authority are continuing to explore some kind of consolidation, beginning with exploring the possibility sharing a chief, he said.
“If it seems feasible, we’ll take it to the voters at some time in the future,” he said.
Well, those left behind will be checking in with voters. Johnson’s last day is next Wednesday.
He said he’s very much appreciated his time in Lewis County, appreciated the community support, and enjoyed himself.
Friday’s festivities begin at 6 p.m. with appetizers and a no-host dinner and bar. Riverside Golf Club is on Airport Road in Chehalis.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter