EVERETT — The North County Regional Fire Authority commission voted to appoint a new fire chief on Wednesday after changing the qualifications needed to work in that position.
The commission voted 4-2 to appoint Dave Kraski, the former deputy fire chief at the fire authority, as the organization’s new fire chief. Kraski also previously served as the fire chief at the Arlington Fire Department.
Before that vote, the commission voted 5-1 to change the qualifications to become fire chief. To serve in the position, the fire authority previously required a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, fire service or another related field.
The amended requirements allow an associate’s degree to substitute for a bachleor’s degree, but only if the person was hired before the end of 2025. It also requires anyone who takes the position to obtain a bachleor’s degree within two years.
Kraski currently has an associate’s degree in fire science, according to a department release. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fire administration.
On Feb. 26, the commission voted 4-0 to sign a separation agreement with the previous chief, John Cermak. A firefighter for nearly 40 years and the fire chief at North County Fire for 10, his last date of employment is set to be Monday, a fire authority document read. Kraski is set to become the chief on April 1.
Members of International Association of Firefighters Local 3438, the union that represents firefighters in North County Fire, had previously raised concerns over Cermak’s leadership at commissioner’s meetings.
Before Wednesday’s vote, Kirk Norman, vice president of the local chapter, said the leadership change represented a new direction from the commission.
“It’s like everyone’s moving forward in a positive direction with collaboration and a lot of hope,” he said.
Commissioner Rob Johnson voted no on Kraski’s appointment because there was not a search and selection process to find additional candidates, he said before the vote. Commissioner Al Schreiber, who also voted no, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
North County Fire is expected to go to the voters for a levy lid lift in August. Kraski recommended the commission put forth a multi-year levy lid lift, similar to one voters approved 6 years ago.
Voters last approved a levy lid lift for North County Fire in 2019. That measure passed with a margin of less than 100 votes.
The North County Regional Fire Authority serves about 47,000 people, including residents of Stanwood and Arlington.
Correction: A previous version of this story listed the incorrect vote tallies.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
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