Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Firefighter/Medic Retires -02/16/21

Kelso, WA – Firefighter/Paramedic Todd Buzalsky has retired from the fire service after a long 22-year career serving the public. Todd came from a family of public service; his father and older brother were also firefighters and Todd followed in their footsteps beginning his pursuit at Chemeketa Community College studying fire science in 1987.  He earned his medical certifications as an EMT/Paramedic and began working at a private ambulance company in 1992.  Buzalsky was hired as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue in January of 1999 after gaining some experience volunteering at Clark County Fire District 12 the previous 2 years.

Todd’s brother, Troy Buzalsky who currently serves as a Battalion Chief with the City of Longview Fire Department comments on his brother’s retirement, “It’s funny to look back at things. Growing up with a Dad in the fire service certainly shaped both our childhood and our adult lives and working side-by-side with Todd for the last 7 years; he at C2FR and me at Longview, has been a great way for me to watch Todd finish his professional career. Sadly, our Dad passed before Todd’s hiring with Cowlitz 2, but I know he would be so proud of the 20-plus years Todd faithfully served”.

Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Dave LaFave responds to Todd’s career, “I want to thank Todd for 22 years of service to our community. We all wish the very best for a long and enjoyed retirement”. 

Todd enjoys fishing, watching college sports, and has an interest in cars.  Todd or “Buzz” as his fellow firefighters nicknamed him also enjoys traveling.  He has aspirations of traveling the world during retirement, starting with Central and South America and revisiting Europe.

Buzz looks back on his career in the fire service and reflects, “I’m going to miss the camaraderie between my brothers and sisters.  I spent one-third of my life with these people and they are all family to me.  As with most families we didn’t always agree or get along, but we always had each other’s backs.  I’m going to miss that.”