It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we report the passing of Jon Carlson Bugher, Fire Chief (Retired). The District was officially notified of Chief Bugher’s passing on Wednesday, however at the request of his widow, Beth, we have withheld the news until today.
Chief Bugher was originally hired by Clallam County Fire District 2 in September of 1994 as a part-time consultant for the Administration of the Fire District. In November of 1998 the Board of Fire Commissioners offered him a fulltime position as Fire Chief. He served in that capacity until his retirement on December 30, 2011. From January 2012 to June of 2012 Chief Bugher worked as a consultant to the District re-writing policy and administrative functions.
Among Chief Bugher’s accomplishments while serving for seventeen (17) years included the construction and opening of the Deer Park and Shadow Mountain fire stations, replacement of nearly 100% of the fire apparatus fleet, implementation of duty squads in the District, initiation of the Clallam County Joint Information Officer working group, the Regional Life Safety Council, including their constitution and bylaws as well as registering them with the Secretary of State. Chief Bugher initiated a county fire investigation team, revitalized the Clallam County Homeland Security Council, represented the Clallam County Fire Chiefs Association as President for over 10 years, fought for sustainable funding for the fire service, developed and activated the Clallam County Wildland Fire Protection Plan including agreements with Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service. He established the first automatic aid agreements with the City of Port Angeles and mutual aid agreement with Clallam County Fire District 4 in Joyce.
In a letter to all the volunteer members dated December 15, 2011; Chief Bugher emphasized his complete and utter satisfaction with the dedication and professionalism of the Officers and Volunteers in the District. “I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to work with all of you over the years. You are, in my opinion, the greatest volunteers ever” he wrote.
Jon’s people, leadership and administrative skills were many and varied, having successfully served as a compliance officer with the Quinault Indian Nation, Taholah, WA and tribal administrator for the Shoalwater Bay Tribe in Tokeland, WA as well as the Suquamish Tribe in Suquamish, WA prior to becoming Fire Chief.
Jon’s most beloved job, however, was the one he retired from after 17 years of service as Fire Chief for Fire District 2 surrounding Port Angeles. During this time, he was commissioned as Deputy Sheriff of Clallam County on January 20, 2009, in accordance with duties related to fire investigation. He was also a certified First Responder and EMT. He received Clallam County Sheriff’s Office’s Commendation Award in 2012.
Active in the communities in which he lived, Jon served with the Lions Club, Master Gardeners, and the Elks Lodge where he was a past Exalted Ruler and Lifetime Member. At his request Chief Bugher will be inurned at a family cemetery plot in Aberdeen, WA. A memorial service will be held on Sunday January 10th at 1:00 pm at the Aberdeen Elks Lodge 1712 S Boone St. Aberdeen, WA 98520.
Chief Bugher is survived by his wife of 38 years: Mary Elizabeth (Beth Matthews) Bugher; 5 children: Charity (Paul) Oien of Independence, IA; Dave (Karena) Bugher of Aberdeen, WA; Rick (Cora) Houlton of Wasilla, AK; Jennifer (Dave) Short of Trapp, MD; and Jim (Diane) Houlton of Raymond, WA; 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; as well as a huge family of friends.
Before he passed, Jon expressed his wish that no flowers or gifts be sent, but instead to send any donations to either: Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E 8th St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, who provided both in home nursing care and equipment over the past year, or The Tall Elks of Aberdeen children’s fund.
Locally services are pending arrangements with a target date of Saturday January 16, 2016. Additional information will be forthcoming from Assistant Chiefs Dan Huff and Mike DeRousie about Fire District 2 involvement. In the meantime, please keep his wife Beth in your thoughts during this heartfelt time.