Gresham announces retirement of Fire Chief Scott Lewis

Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis has announced his retirement with his last day being December 31, 2024. Chief Lewis has spent 42 years in the fire service with 22 of those years in service to the City of Gresham.  

“His deep dedication to public service and to this department has been greatly appreciated,” said Gresham City Manager Eric Schmidt. “My heartfelt best wishes go out to him as he transitions to the next chapter in his life.” 

Chief Lewis began his career in his hometown of Fairborn, Ohio. He served the Fairborn Fire Department for 20 years, in time rising to the role of Operations Deputy Chief. The pursuit of career growth and the opportunities a larger department can offer initially drew him to the City of Gresham. Chief Lewis first started at the City in 2003 as the Deputy Chief of Operations and has served as Fire Chief for much of his tenure at the City. 

“With the passage of the Safety Levy this past May, I can say with confidence that the City of Gresham is moving in the right direction, and this is the right time for me to step down,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “It has been my honor to serve as Fire Chief and a great privilege to work alongside the courageous firefighters of the Gresham Fire Department.” 

With the notice of this retirement, City leadership will be beginning the process of a national recruitment with the hope of having a permanent replacement by the spring.