Dominick “Nick” Swinhart selected as new Camas fire chief

After an extensive recruitment process, Camas officials have selected Dominick “Nick” Swinhart as the city’s new fire chief.

Swinhart currently is fire chief of Watertown Fire Department in Watertown, S.D.

The other finalist was Scott Sorenson, deputy chief of Clark County Fire District 3, which protects the area around Hockinson, near Battle Ground.

The city has been without a full-time fire chief since Jan. 28, when officials fired Leo Leon for reasons not revealed publicly. Leon served as fire chief for six years. Retired city public works director Monte Brachmann has been serving as acting chief.

Camas Mayor Paul Dennis, in announcing the decision Friday afternoon, said Watertown is a community of similar size to Camas, with firefighting and emergency medical services operations of similar scope.

“Washington State will be familiar for the new Chief , who was employed as a career firefighter/paramedic by the Raymond and Aberdeen Fire Departments for 16 years prior to his Chief’s appointment in Watertown,” city officials said in a bulletin.

Chief Swinhart has a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Services Management from George Washington University,” the bulletin added. “He is a visible leader, certified paramedic, team-oriented collaborator who will bring fresh perspective and initiative to his important work here.&#8221

Camas also provides EMS service for residents of Washougal and others in east Clark County.

Swinhart wrote on his résumé that he had “transformed unruly operations lacking policies and procedures” during his time as fire chief in Watertown. He also wrote that he “revitalized efforts to fund and secure city council approval for construction of a new $3.5 (million) fire station.”

Swinhart starts work on July 5 and will make $104,856 per year, officials said.

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.<I>&lt