Kristan Maurer worked throughout her career preparing for the chance to be the Fire Chief.
At the Clark County Fire District 6 Board of Commissioners Meeting on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 that dream became a reality when the Board unanimously appointed her the next fire chief. “I wasn’t looking for any Fire Chief position, I was looking to become the Fire Chief of Clark County Fire District 6. This District has invested in me and I feel fortunate to return that investment.”
And for the last 20 years Chief Maurer has worked her way through the fire service ranks. Currently the Assistant Chief of Operations, Chief Maurer has an exhaustive list of administrative, operations, and community experience. From streamlining how we load fire hose on engines to planning the land acquisition and construction of new Station 63, Chief Maurer’s influence on District 6 is tangible.
Nationally there are only 50 women fire chiefs, 14,000 women firefighters, and only five percent of firefighters are women.
And Maurer has invested time in the classroom as well. She completed the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy, has a Bachelors’ Degree in Fire Service Administration, and a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration. After serving as chief for a decade, Jerry Green will be retiring at the end of the year. “Chief Maurer is extremely intelligent and well-educated, and has worked her way up through the ranks during her 20+ years with the department,” says Green. “She will continue to bring great value to this department and citizens of the district and will be a strong leader. It is of great comfort and excitement to me personally that she will be taking over the reins following my retirement.”
Fire Chief Maurer will be entering a fire district facing numerous changes. 50% of its administrative staff is new. The Executive Board of the firefighter’s union is newly elected. As an entry-level firefighter Kristan has worked alongside many of the firefighters, and considers them the strength of the District. “We have great personnel, the size of our department is perfect to support change, and we have amazing community support.” As much time as the Fire Service can demand, Kristan is a firm believer in work-life balance. “You need to carve out time for family, carve out time for work, and carve out time for school,” she says. Maurer has two teenage children, and the fire service is a family affair. Her husband is an engineer at Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
Chiefs Green and Maurer will start an in-depth transition plan on September 1st and Maurer will officially become Fire Chief on January 1st.