Names in the News
Seattle Names Chief
Robert L. Swartout has been named chief of the Seattle Fire Department after a nationwide search that screened over 120 applicants.
As the former chief of training, Swartout was instrumental in establishing Seattle’s 911 emergency calling system, and addressing the issue of women in the fire service. He developed the women’s pre-recruit training program that has resulted in four women now being Seattle fire fighters.
Burke Retires
Chief J.D. Burke has retired from the Hayward, Calif. Fire Department after 31 years of service. He joined the department on July 1, 1949. He was appointed lieutenant three years later, and assistant chief on Feb. 21, 1955. He became chief on May 1, 1977.
Assistant Chief William S. Wood will be acting chief until a new chief is named upon completion of an open recruiting process.
Portland Names Chief
Chief Fire Marshal Francis J. Sargant was named chief of the Portland, Ore., Fire Department on July 3. He succeeded Chief Gordon A. Morterud, who retired in June after 30 years of service.
Sargant became a fire fighter in 1951, and was promoted to lieutenant in 1962. He later became captain in 1969, battalion chief in 1973, chief training officer in 1975, assistant chief in 1976 and chief fire marshal in 1977. Sargant has served as the Fire Bureau representative to a variety of committees relating to fire matters, including equal employment opportunities, emergency medical service, 911, the five-year protection plan, and codes and standards.
Morterud was appointed to the fire bureau in 1941, and worked his way up the ranks from lieutenant in March 1948, to chief in 1975. Since 1948, Morterud has taught fire service courses at Portland Community College, where he was chairman of the advisory board on fire service education.
