The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Having served the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District for a dozen years, Fire Chief Roger Johnson has announced that he plans to retire in spring of 2024.

The year-long off-ramp gives the District time to do a thorough search for a successor to the highly regarded chief. The District Board of Directors met on Monday, March 27, to begin a recruitment and onboarding process that they expect to be “time consuming and complex.”

The Board agreed to work with both the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the Special Districts Association of Oregon, with the Western Fire Chiefs Association conducting outreach to identify qualified candidates, and the Special Districts Association guiding the District through the actual hiring process.

“Both organizations bring important, but separate, strengths,” said board member Jack McGowan. “What we’re really doing is getting the best talent from both organizations to help us.”

The Board estimates that the recruitment and hiring will cost approximately $10,000, with potential additional expenses for public outreach, travel, and a thorough background check.

“I think that’s a reasonable amount of money if that’s what it is,” said Board President Kristie Miller. “It’ll bring us some outstanding candidates.”

The Board is aware that they’re seeking to fill a large pair of boots.

“We are fortunate to have Chief Johnson for 12 years, and we are hopeful we can find another leader for the long term,” Miller said.