CENTRAL WHIDBEY: Fire commissioner candidate statements
These are the candidate statements submitted to the Secretary of State’s office by candidates for Fire Commissioner in Central Whidbey. The images above for Larry Goff and Christopher E. Chan were submitted by the respective candidates; the image of Scott Austin is from his LinkedIn page. Statements are listed in the order in which the candidates appear on the ballot.
Larry Goff
Candidate Statement
Elected Experience
Fire Board member six terms for Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. Held position of Board President multiple times.
Other Professional Experience
Fire Chief/Emergency Manager, City of Lake Oswego Fire Department; Clackamas County Fire Defense Board Chief; Oregon Incident Management Team Liaison Officer; Oregon Governor’s Fire Policy Council; Wildland Firefighter
Education
Fire Administrators Institute, Eastern Oregon University; A.S. Fire Protection Technology, Portland Community College; Postbaccalaureate Requirements: Executive Staff Development, Lewis & Clark College Graduate School of Professional Studies
Community Service
Volunteer Coupeville Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center; Island County Amateur Radio Club; Lake Oswego Lions Club; Taught Community Emergency Response Team training.
Statement
Having served as both a career firefighter and an elected Fire Board member, I believe I can provide a unique perspective as a Fire Commissioner for Central Whidbey Fire District.
My 47-year career was spent in the Fire Service, starting as a seasonal wildland firefighter. Most of my career was with the City of Lake Oswego Fire Department, working my way up through the ranks to become Fire Chief.
While working as a firefighter for Lake Oswego, I was elected to the Board of Directors for Oregon’s largest fire district, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. During my 24 years as a Board member, acting many years in the position of President, I navigated many complicated issues including budget approval, fiscal accountability, mergers and approving district policies.
Continuing the Fire District’s community involvement and trust is a priority for me. If elected, it would be my honor to serve the community as a Fire Commissioner.
Contact
(503) 267-4079
goffor@frontier.com
541 Olympic View Dr
COUPEVILLE, WA 98239
Links
Christopher E Chan
Candidate Statement
Elected Experience
Lagoon Point Water District Commissioner 2019 – Present (Board Chair 2023 – present)
Coupeville School Board Director 2008 – 2017 (Board President 2014)
Other Professional Experience
The Boeing Company
Senior Industrial Engineer
Retired after 39 Years of Service
Education
Washington State University – Bachelor of Science
Skagit Valley College – Associate of Arts
Coupeville High School
Community Service
Volunteer Firefighter / EMT – Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue – 1979 – 2009
Former Central Little League Board Member – variety of positions – 15 years
Coupeville High School Baseball Team – Former Assistant Coach – 5 years
Statement
Being a lifelong resident of Whidbey Island, it has always been important to me to give back to the community I love.
Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue was a huge part of my life both growing up and into adulthood.
I look forward to continuing my involvement in the District as a Fire Commissioner.
Contact
(360) 914-0137
islandcoug@gmail.com
3727 Shorewood Ave
Greenbank, WA 98253
Links
Scott Austin
Contact
(0) –
1208 NE Leisure St
Coupeville, WA 98239
Links
Ed. Note: Mr. Austin submitted neither a candidate statement nor a photo.
On the Ballot in August 2025
| CENTRAL WHIDBEY ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE DISTRICT |
|---|
| Commissioner, Position 2 Larry Goff Christopher E. Chan Scott Austin Incumbent Cheryl Engle did not file for another term. |
