PREVIOUSLY: Fire Merger Ends in Ashes

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Press release from the Arcata Fire Department:

The Arcata Fire Protection District Board (AFPD) has appointed Assistant Chief Desmond Cowan as Fire Chief. “Assistant Chief Cowan has budget management expertise, incident command experience, and strong leadership skills; additionally, he has been involved with the strategic planning process from the beginning. Assistant Chief Cowan will lead our organization effective July 1, 2013,” said John Davis, AFPD Chairperson.

Assistant Chief Cowan has been employed by AFPD for 21 years and worked at all ranks in the organization. Additionally, he is the first local graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. According to Cowan, “I’m honored and excited to have been asked to lead this outstanding team. We will be focused on streamlining our administration and we’ll be working hard to strengthen our volunteer and career ranks. Our most valuable asset is our firefighters and the work they do to serve our community.”

The Fire District has been led by Interim Fire Chief Justin McDonald since late December of 2012. “The work done by Chief McDonald to keep our organization on track has been exemplary,” said Cowan. “He has done a remarkable job and has the support and gratitude of all of our personnel.”

Arrangements for a formal swearing in and badge pinning are pending.