The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Fred Johnson is the new chief of the Cathlamet Fire Department.

Johnson takes over after the retirement of Chief Jerry DeBriae, who served in the department for 52 years.

Members of the town council on Monday approved a proclamation honoring Chief DeBriae.

Mayor George Wehrfritz said DeBriae would have the title of fire chief emeritus for his more than 50 years with the department.

"He has made the department a model for operation in the lower Columbia area," Wehrfritz read from the proclamation. The proclamation also recognized "the generous donation from Mr. DeBriae and his spouse, Linda," that paid for construction of Cathlamet's new fire hall.

"I look forward to working with the mayor and council," Johnson said Monday. "I'm privileged to take over the post and continue the work of Chief DeBriae."

Joining Johnson in department leadership will be Beau Renfro, executive assistant chief, and Carol Wegdahl, chief of the Emergency Management Services (EMS) First Aid Division.

Fire department officers include 1st Captain Vern Barton, 2nd Captain Tom Merz, 1st Lieutenant Tim Hanigan, 2nd Lieutenant David Doumit, and Secretary Linda Wright.

EMS officers include Lieutenant Jodie Tawater, operations; Lieutenant Sara Tobin, logistics; Lieutenant Duncan Cruikshank, training, and Lieutenant Allen Bennett, technical rescue.