Contact: Jody Matson
Public Information Officer
(360) 779-3997
7/30/08
For Immediate Release:
Dan Olson accepts offer as new Fire Chief at Poulsbo Fire
Department
(Poulsbo, Washington) Poulsbo Fire Department welcomed its newly
appointed fire chief on Wednesday, July 30 at 4pm in a ceremony at Station 71
Headquarters.
“After a nation-wide executive search and intensive testing of the top
candidates, we are delighted to have chosen Dan Olson as our new Chief,” said
Jim Ingalls, Chairman of Poulsbo Fire Department’s Board of Fire
Commissioners, “In addition to deep experience and extensive education, he
has an excellent reputation in the fire service.”
At the event, Olson signed his new contract and officially marked the start
of his new role as leader of Poulsbo Fire Department.
It is a passion for people and a desire to help others that first whetted
Olson’s appetite for the fire service. Shortly after graduating from high school, a
friend invited him to ride-along with firefighters. A call came in for a major car
collision. “I witnessed the firefighters save a woman’s life. Paramedic Cliff
Wilson (now retired) did an incredible job of coordinating resources and people
to work together. What he achieved that night, had a significant impact on me.”
Olson has been in the fire service since 1982. After graduating from Bates
Technical College, Olson began his career at the Washington State Fire Service
Training Academy. He wasn’t there long before he was hired by South Kitsap
Fire & Rescue (SKF&R). Olson grew up in South Kitsap and saw the community
grow from 25,000 to 83,000 residents during more than 25 years with SKF&R.
Olson said, “As the community’s population exploded, so did the emergency call
volume. When the department grew, I was afforded opportunities to grow in
my career as well.” Olson worked his way through the ranks becoming
lieutenant, shift battalion chief, operations chief and then to assistant chief.
He couples this deep experience at all levels of the fire service with
extensive professional education and training. This is reflected in his philosophy
of management. Olson says “I believe leadership is first demonstrated by actions
and then, by words. Like Peter Drucker says, ‘One thing you cannot give leaders
is integrity.’ A good leader needs to be an example of right behavior, treating
people with dignity and respect.”
He is nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree in Fire Command
Administration. In addition, he is enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer program
with the National Fire Academy.
Said Olson, “My family and I are thrilled with this new opportunity. We
moved to the Poulsbo area in 2005, and just love the school district and the
community.” He looks forward to the chance to further invest here, emphasizing
his philosophy of service – to the public as well as to the personnel he will lead.
“Government is about serving people and this is especially true in our field.
When you govern for the citizens, this principle influences your decisions. I also
have a strong regard for the people of the fire service. I understand their desire
to strive for excellence. As a leader, it’s important to be a champion of that desire
and provide direction for people to move forward.”
-END-