EVERETT — The longtime leader of Snohomish County’s largest fire district is stepping down.
Ed Widdis, 59, had plans to retire earlier this year. He now is leaving the post Tuesday, citing undisclosed medical issues.
The announcement was made at a board meeting earlier this week. Widdis will serve as a consultant for the fire district during the transition to a new chief, spokeswoman Leslie Hynes said.
Widdis started his career in public service as a volunteer and explorer scout with Fire District 11, which once covered the unincorporated areas of Silver Lake, Silver Firs and Mariner High School. He became a full-time firefighter in 1980, and his district merged with District 1 in 2000.
Widdis has been chief at District 1 for more than a decade. In that time, the district grew to cover much of southwest county, including contracts to provide emergency services to Brier, Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace. Some 200,000 people live within its boundaries.
Assistant Chief Brad Reading has been named interim fire chief. Reading has been a firefighter for 37 years and at one time served as the fire chief in Mountlake Terrace.
The district has hired a recruiting firm to find the next chief.
Widdis’ salary was $172,321. His salary as a consultant is likely to stay the same. The board expects to sign that contract in the coming weeks.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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