During Monday night’s Chehalis City Council meeting, four firefighters who began working for the Chehalis Fire Department during the COVID-19 pandemic were officially sworn in. The four firefighters were Daniel Ford, Pat Glover, Shane Schow and Adam Miller.
Following their swearing-in ceremony, retired Chehalis Fire Captain Steve Emrich was honored by the city.
Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright briefly introduced each firefighter before swearing them in at the meeting. Ford started his firefighting career as a volunteer with Lewis County Fire District 6 before being hired in Chehalis two years ago.
During his time at the Chehalis Fire Department, he has completed several different rescue operation training courses and fire investigation training.
“He currently serves as a firefighter engineer. He serves on both tech teams for rope and water rescue, and serves on the fire investigation program,” Fulbright said.
Ford occasionally will serve as an acting officer, Fulbright added.
Glover has been with the department for two years. He served in the U.S. Army for four years prior to starting his firefighting career volunteering for Lewis County Fire District 6.
“He also serves on both technical teams, serves on the fire investigation team, and serves as the one of the lead instructors on the rope rescue team,” Fulbright said.
While Ford and Glover are still at the beginning of their firefighting careers, Schow has almost 16 years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical services, Fulbright said. Schow has been working for Chehalis for two years.
“He worked his way up from firefighter/EMT to lieutenant with East Olympia Fire District 6,” Fulbright said.
Schow has completed Washington state fire training, instructor training, firefighting blue card training, wildland firefighting training, swiftwater rescue training and high and low angle rope rescue training, on top of having a bachelor’s degree to teach physics.
The newest hire is Miller, who has now been with the department for a year and a half. Miller is a U.S. Navy veteran who retired as a chief petty officer after a 24-year career.
Fulbright said Miller started his firefighting career volunteering for North County Regional Fire Authority in Snohomish County. Fulbright added Miller has also completed state fire training, instructor training, swiftwater rescue training and high and low angle rope rescue training.
“(Schow) serves on both those teams,” Fulbright said. “It is their dedication, drive and tenacity to contribute to the community of Chehalis, this is reflected in their current and ongoing performance during their tenure with the organization.
After the swearing-in ceremony was completed, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum introduced Emrich before he was presented with an honorary plaque for his service to the city’s fire department.
“I believe you spent 10 years in our volunteer fire system … before we hired you,” Ketchum said. “And during those 10 years, it seemed like it was every year you were honored with the firefighter volunteer top award. He came from the roots and built up, and he stayed with us for a long time, and I’m very proud to have you as part of the service.”
Fulbright said Emrich served the Chehalis community and fire department for 31 years and was involved with various community projects. Emrich oversaw the safety education program for school kids throughout fire prevention week, conducted tours for preschools and coordinated radio public service announcements.
“You ran and managed the ‘Shop with a Firefighter’ event for several years, bringing Christmas to many families in need,” Fulbright said.
Emrich also helped get the Chehalis Fire Department involved with the city’s Santa Parade. Fulbright added Emrich was the project manager and conducted oversight on the department’s fleet of vehicles and small tools.
“I’ve only been able to work with you for a couple months, but it has been an honor to be able to present you the plaque,” Fulbright said.
