WASHINGTON, CA July 3, 2019 – The Washington County Water District Board of Directors is extremely pleased to announce that Mike Stewart has resumed the duties of Fire Chief of the Department effective June 13th, 2019.
Having previously served in the position for 11 years, as part of a total on 35 years in the fire service, Mike is well acquainted with our needs.
Mike’s roots in our community run deep, with his family beginning their presence in Washington in 1961. Mike attended Washington Elementary School through 6th grade before continuing his schooling outside of the canyon.
His fire service career began as a volunteer for Nevada City Fire Department in 1981, later volunteering for Grass Valley Fire Department and Gold Flat Fire District. As Gold Flat Fire District became part of Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, Mike stayed on as a paid Firefighter, later promoting to Engineer, then Captain. Mike also served as the Technical Rescue Coordinator.
Mike’s local knowledge, combined with his wilderness experience, led him into becoming a river and rope rescue instructor with Rescue 3 International where be achieved the position of Instructor Trainer. Expanding his knowledge base, in 2008 Mike accepted a Fire Captain B position with CalFire where he ran Inmate Fire Crews. Mike retired from State Service in December 2017 as the Administrative Captain at Washington Ridge Conservation Camp.
Thank you for joining us in welcoming Mike and wishing him and the Fire Department success.
Walter Helm
President
Washington County Water District