It’s the end of an era in Yacolt as longtime public safety leader Tom McDowell has officially stepped away from his post at Clark County Fire District 13 and North Country EMS.
Most recently assistant chief for the two agencies, McDowell has been a part of the town and surrounding region’s fire and medical response services for nearly five decades, serving as chief for much of that time until his July 31 retirement.
McDowell has not completely separated himself from the agencies he helped to create. Much of his memorabilia still remains in his office which he will keep as he continues to lead the all-volunteer Volcano Rescue Team — another agency whose start he was instrumental in.
His involvement with public safety in Yacolt dates back to 1971, when, on his way home from work at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, he saw a need in the town.