Promotion Announcement

Cowlitz County Fire District 1 is proud to announce the promotion of Captains Kash Van Cleef and David Bridges to the rank of Battalion Chief.

Both Kash and David have dedicated more than two decades of volunteer service to our community and have played instrumental roles in the growth, training, and operational success of our department. Their promotions recognize years of leadership, commitment, and service to the citizens of Cowlitz County.

Battalion Chief Kash Van Cleef began his volunteer service with CCFD1 on January 1, 2002. Throughout his career, Kash has been a strong advocate for firefighter training and professional development. He was promoted to Training Captain on November 15, 2005, earned his Fire Instructor I certification in 2005, and became a Live Fire Instructor in 2020. He also serves as a Washington State Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) Instructor and has maintained numerous wildland and specialized certifications throughout his career. As Battalion Chief, Kash will continue serving as the District’s Volunteer Training Officer.

Battalion Chief David Bridges began his volunteer service with CCFD1 on February 28, 2001. He became an EMT and later a Paramedic in 2002, establishing a long career dedicated to emergency medical services. David was promoted to EMS Captain on November 15, 2005, and has served as a Washington State EMS Evaluator since at least 2018. He holds numerous wildland and specialized certifications and has been a key leader in developing and maintaining the District’s EMS program. As Battalion Chief, David will continue serving as the District’s Volunteer EMS Officer.

Combined, Battalion Chiefs Van Cleef and Bridges bring nearly 50 years of volunteer service, experience, and leadership to Cowlitz County Fire District 1. Their dedication to training, emergency response, mentorship, and public service has helped shape our organization and prepare future generations of firefighters and EMS providers.

Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chiefs Kash Van Cleef and David Bridges on their well-deserved promotions and thanking them for their many years of faithful service to our department and community.