Following a nationwide search, in coordination with the Western Fire Chiefs Association, the City of Lewiston has scheduled final interviews for its next Fire Chief. After an exhaustive review of potential fire chief candidates and a round of preliminary virtual interviews, three candidates were offered and accepted invitations to formally interview with the City of Lewiston on Friday, March 31, 2023. The City was notified today, Monday, March 27, that one candidate would no longer be available to interview. Jay Wittwer and Scott Goodwin are the City’s final candidates for the position and will be interviewed by panels made up of City Directors, Fire Department Staff, union members, and City Council Members. The candidates will also meet with Mayor Daniel Johnson and be provided a tour of the City.
Jay Wittwer has been in the fire service for over 35 years. He most recently served as Fire Chief for the City of Tukwila, Washington, and previously served the City of North Las Vegas where he was promoted through the ranks of the department from Fire Fighter to Battalion Chief. Jay has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. He has a Chief Fire Officer certification, attended the Fire Service Executive Development Institute, and completed the Executive Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy. Jay also serves as a Board Member for Boy Scouts of America.
Scott Goodwin has been in the fire service for 40 years. He most recently served as the Interim Fire Chief for the City of Rio Vista, California. Scott began his career at the City of San Bernardino Fire Department where he worked through the ranks, then served as Division Chief for the City of Santa Fe Springs, California’s Department of Fire Rescue. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration as well as a Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degree. Scott has a Chief Fire Officer certification, a Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Excellence, and has completed the Executive
Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy. Scott also owns and operates ComTac Training, a professional consulting company that specializes in public safety issues.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1773 will be hosting a Meet and Greet following Friday’s interviews. The Meet and Greet will be at the Lewiston City Library, 411 D St., from 4:00 – 5:30 pm, in the large upstairs meeting space, and will provide an opportunity for members of the community to get to know the candidates. Light refreshments will be provided and comment cards will be available.
