The emergency services community of Columbia County has been in mourning following the loss of Westport Fire and Rescue Division Chief Dave Coombs, who passed away earlier this month.
A news release from Westport Fire and Rescue announced the passing of Coombs, saying he passed away at his home on April 2, at the early age of 53. Coombs’ career spanned over three decades, and his passion for the medical field began in early high school.
Coombs was a member of the American Red Cross Medical Explorers Post in Eugene, Oregon. Through that program, he volunteered and provided advanced first aid at events such as rodeos, walk-a-thons, and the county fair, according to the news release. In his early adult years, Coombs attended Chemeketa Community College, where he gained additional knowledge in the trade.