Following a reception held at Chehalis City Hall for Adam Fulbright, the city’s new fire chief, Mayor Tony Ketchum swore Fulbright in at the beginning of Monday evening’s Chehalis City Council meeting.
“His resume is impressive with too many accomplishments to mention. He has already made a positive impact with the City of Chehalis and we look forward to that continuing for years,” Ketchum said, adding jokingly, “just as long as he doesn’t get to come back and ask for anymore $1.6 million checks.”
Asking for a $1.6 million check was Fulbright’s first official act as Chehalis fire chief back in April, when he requested the city council approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase the fire department a new ladder truck, as previously reported by The Chronicle.
After being sworn in by Ketchum and having his badge pinned by his wife, Fulbright then introduced and swore in the city’s newest firefighter, Jacob Ross.
“Jacob Ross came to the City of Chehalis from Snohomish County where he served as a firefighter and EMT with Snohomish County Fire District 4 and North County Regional Fire Authority,” Fulbright said.
He went on to say Ross has completed over 600 hours of fire academy training, is certified as a Washington state International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) firefighter I and II, and is working on his fire science degree.
“Prior to starting his fire service career, firefighter Ross also served in the Marine Corps from 2013 to 2017,” Fulbright added.
Ross actually began working for the city in May 2022 when he accepted a conditional offer from the Chehalis Fire Department as a probationary firefighter and EMT — also known as a candidate firefighter.
During the past year, Ross has completed thousands of additional training hours learning more firefighter and EMT skills and familiarizing himself with the area according to Fulbright.
“Ross is very dedicated to a life of serving others and does so with a high degree of compassion and professionalism,” Fulbright said. “It is with immense pleasure that the City of Chehalis welcomes you not only to our team, but also our family.”
After being sworn in, Ross’ badge was pinned by his mother, Susan Booth, of Stanwood.
“In the short time I’ve been here, I am very happy to say, what an amazing fire department you have. The staff are impeccable, they are driven, they are motivated, they are communicative, they all gladly take on tasks and work really hard,” Ross said.
He added he is grateful for the opportunity to make Chehalis his new home and hopes to finish out his firefighting career there.
For more information on IFSAC firefighter certifications in Washington, visit https://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire-service-certification/.
