Second fire district commissioner resigns

For the second time in less than three months, an East County Fire and Rescue commissioner has resigned.

On Dec. 17, Chairman George F. “Jack” Hoober, 81, submitted his letter of resignation to ECFR officials.

“After careful consideration, I hereby submit my resignation from the position of fire commissioner for East County Fire and Rescue, effective immediately,” Hoober’s letter states. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the fire district.”

Hoober has been a fire commissioner for 15 years. He participated in the 2006 consolidation of fire districts 1 and 9 into East County Fire and Rescue.

Hoober is a former U.S. Naval aviator, and a retired United Airlines pilot.

Chief Scott Koehler said a process and timeline for appointing Hoober’s replacement will be discussed during the commission’s next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Fern Prairie fire station, 600 N.E. 267th Ave. He said the appointment of Hoober’s successor will most likely not be made until February.

On Oct. 6, Gary Larson, 61, who had been a member of the fire commission for more than 30 years, submitted his resignation. He said it was due to health reasons.

On Nov. 18, commissioners voted 3-1 to appoint Thomas Gianatasio to fill Larson’s seat. Hoober cast the dissenting vote. Gianatasio was sworn in Dec. 2.

Other members of the five-member commission include Martha Martin, Victor Rasmussen and Mike Berg.

ECFR serves 60 square miles of unincorporated area north of and east of the cities of Camas and Washougal. Its staff includes six full-time and five part-time paid personnel, in addition to approximately 50 volunteers.