New fire chief hired for North County

STANWOOD — The North County Regional Fire Authority has hired a new fire chief.

John Cermak is scheduled to start the job Dec. 9.

Cermak comes from the Alhambra Fire Department in Los Angeles County, California, where he has worked since the 1980s. His contract with North County was finalized this week.

The fire authority also has filled positions on the board of six commissioners.

Earlier this year, former Fire Chief Dale Fulfs retired, two commissioners died and another commissioner resigned.

The newest commisioner, Jan Iverson, is set to be sworn in Nov. 26.

The chief’s job pays about $125,000 a year. Battalion Chief Scott Johnston has been serving as interim fire chief.

The fire authority was formed about six years ago, merging two fire districts that served the areas between Arlington and Stanwood and the Snohomish-Skagit county line.

The fire authority serves about 22,000 people living in 105 square miles. Earlier this year, headquarters were moved from Warm Beach to Stanwood.

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