Centralia Fire Chief John Lynch has announced his intent to retire from the department effective May 27th. He’ll be furthering his career as a building inspector for the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Lynch joined the fire department almost 25 years ago, rose through the ranks, and was appointed Fire Chief on January 15th, 2018.
“Some of the things I look back on with the greatest satisfaction was just able to replace equipment like we have over the past few years which was much needed. There is still a little equipment and another truck to replace but I’ll have to leave that to the next chief. Upgrades in training and our relationships with other fire departments have come a long way since I took over.”
Lynch says they were also able to remodel and repair both stations as well as adding a fire inspector, an arson investigator and updated the reporting program.
“It has definitely been a pleasure serving the city. I’m definitely not leaving for a bad reason, but to further my career in the fire service. Building inspections are something I’ve always been interested in and I feel it is my time to move on and do something different and turn this department over to somebody else with fresh ideas.”
Lynch adds it took a team to accomplish their goals and not the fire chief alone.
City Manager Kory Smith, Mayor Bryan Kuder, and the City Council are all wishing Lynch the best as he pursues the next chapter of his career. Smith noted Chief Lynch’s career has been dedicated to the safety of the residents of Centralia and they would like to thank him for his tireless efforts to educate the community on fire safety, his leadership of the department, and his commitment to the City of Centralia.
