PORT ANGELES — The Washington Fire Commissioners Association has honored Clallam County Fire District No. 2 Commissioner Richard Ruud for his years of service.
Roger Ferris, executive director of the commissioners association, presented Ruud with two awards for service during its 69th annual conference in Spokane on Oct. 27.
Ruud received a Years of Service award for his 35 years as a fire commissioner and an Exceptional Service Award for his 63 years of continuous duty in the fire service.
Ruud began his lengthy tenure with the fire district in 1954 as a volunteer firefighter.
Throughout the next 28 years, he rose up through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, driver-operator, lieutenant, captain and station chief in Dry Creek.
He retired from the front lines in 1982, after which he was elected to the position of fire commissioner.
During the past 35 years, he has held the positions of commissioner, vice chair and chair, being re-elected five times to six-year terms.
Fire Chief Sam Phillips noted that Ruud celebrated his 90th birthday this year and is still going strong.
“He consistently spends time reviewing policy and budget positions with me,” Phillips said.
In a photo session following the presentation at the conference, State Fire Marshal Charles LeBlanc commented to Phillips that few people will ever eclipse the service years provided by Ruud, according to a news release.
