After a nationwide recruitment search, the Board of Commissioners for Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has selected Scott Goldstein to serve as the District’s new Fire Chief. Formal approval of Scott’s employment contract will occur at the April 12, 2023 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Scott Goldstein is currently the Chief of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service is a large all-hazards fire department with both full-time paid and volunteer firefighters staffing 37 fire stations. Scott has a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, over 32 years of experience in the fire service, and has been chief of MCFRS for more than 8 years. Scott is retiring from MCFRS and relocating to our community to be near family residing in the Pacific Northwest.

Upon his selection, Scott stated “I am honored by the great opportunity that the Board of Commissioners has given me to lead the team of the outstanding women and men of Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue. Although I’m retiring from a great organization, I have many more years of public service to give to our residents and am excited to be able to serve Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and continue its history of great service to the community.”

Board Chairman Jeff Cameron commented “The Board is very pleased that Scott expressed interest in our fire chief position. Scott has many years of experience in a department consisting of both paid and volunteer firefighters, and he is very familiar with the growing challenges of providing emergency services. Scott’s philosophy supports the District’s long history of cost containment for our taxpayers, and our high level of customer service to our citizens. I expect a smooth and fairly seamless transition.”

Due to prior commitments, Scott’s starting date will be July 17, 2023. Until that date, James Graham, who has done a fabulous job as interim fire chief, will continue leading our organization.