Fire Marshal Monte Bryan Promoted to Fire Chief

(RFD) We are very happy to announce that Fire Marshal Monte Bryan has been promoted to Fire Chief, effective April 1st. He will be replacing Chief Gary Garrisi, who retired effective March 31st. Chief Bryan was born and raised in Halfway, Oregon, a small town on the Oregon/Idaho border. He attended college at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1994. While attending the University, he worked as a whitewater river guide on the Snake River and as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of LaGrande Police Department. He left his hometown in 1995 to accept a position with the City of Roseburg Police Department. While working for the Police Department, he served as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Corporal, and was a member of the department’s tactical team. Chief Bryan worked for the Police Department for twelve years before making a career change into the Fire Service. In 2007, he accepted a position as Deputy Fire Marshal with the City of Roseburg Fire Department. After eight years as Deputy Fire Marshal, he was promoted to the position of Fire Marshal in 2015. He has served as Fire Marshal for the past six years. He is a certified Fire Marshal through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and is a member of the Oregon Fire Marshal’s Association, International Code Council, and National Fire Protection Association. Chief Bryan has earned respect in our community and at our department for his willingness to work with others, to listen, and to lead by example. While fulfilling his duties as Fire Marshal, Chief Bryan has also worked as a part-time Instructor at Umpqua Community College, teaching Fire Prevention and Fire Investigations. When not working, Chief Bryan enjoys all of the outdoor activities offered in the beautiful Umpqua Valley, working outdoors, reading, and spending time with his family. Chief Bryan has served as the Public Information Officer for the Fire Department for over fourteen years and was one of several Public Information Officers that served during the horrible tragedy at Umpqua Community College. He will bring years of experience in public safety, fire prevention, and emergency management to his new role. He believes in preparing our community for disasters by building community partnerships. Chief Bryan will be a great leader for our organization and we look forward to the diverse experience he brings to the position.