Fire Chief Kevin Henson Resigns from Marion County Fire #1
The Marion County Fire District #1 Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Kevin Henson at their regularly scheduled meeting last night. In his resignation letter, Chief Henson thanked the Board of Directors for their support, and stated appreciation for the support and commitment of all volunteer and career personnel. His official last day will be October 31st.
(SALEM, Ore) — The Marion County Fire District #1 Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Kevin Henson at their regularly scheduled meeting last night.
In his resignation letter, Chief Henson thanked the Board of Directors for their support, and stated appreciation for the support and commitment of all volunteer and career personnel. His official last day will be October 31st.
Chief Henson has served as the Fire Chief of Marion County Fire District since 2007.
Under his leadership, MCFD1 was successful in obtaining a $10 million bond for facilities and fleet upgrades.
The last and final fire station to be constructed, Four Corners, was completed in February of this year.
In 2012, Chief Henson led the initiative for a local option levy which allowed MCFD1 to restructure a sustainable service delivery model for the community.
Also in 2012, when an attempt to annex territory was made by a neighboring agency, Chief Henson worked closely with legal counsel to see that MCFD1 prevailed in a legal suit to stop the illegal annexation.
He then followed through with the legislature to clarify the language so that annexation attempts such as this were not a threat to other rural districts in the future.
"Chief Henson has shown more determination and dedication to facilitating change in this fire district than any fire chief before," said Vice President Randy Franke,
"I know that he will continue to do good work for the fire service."
As a current board member of the Oregon Fire Chief's Association, Chief Henson's most recent project is clarifying the issue of volunteer compensation at the national level.
This project has consumed much of Chief Henson's time over the past six months and will continue to be an issue requiring resolution at both the state and national level.
Board President Bernie Otjen stated that he appreciated all the hard work that Chief Henson has put in to help MCFD1 move forward and progress as a fire district, "I wish him the best of success, and I know that he will put in just as much hard work and dedication in his next venture."
