Community invited to meet La Grande’s fire chief candidates
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from the City of La Grande Fire Department)
“Meet and Greet” Scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:00-7:30 PM
La Grande Fire Department
1806 Cove Avenue
Fire Chief Emmitt Cornford is retiring after an incredible career of dedicated service to the City of La Grande. Throughout his tenure, Chief Cornford has earned widespread respect for his leadership, commitment to safety, and dedication to excellence. He has been a pillar of the department, helping it grow and evolve over the decades.
“After 44 years with the La Grande Fire Department,” said Chief Cornford, “I am hanging up my helmet with pride and gratitude. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of La Grande and Union County. I have every confidence that the department will continue to deliver professional and compassionate service, just as it always has.”
As Chief Cornford prepares for retirement, the search for his successor has been underway, and two finalists have been selected for consideration. These candidates will be formally interviewed Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
The Meet and Greet is open to all members of the community, and residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Fire Department’s future direction and leadership. This event gives the public the chance to hear directly from the finalists and engage with them in an informal setting. Below are short bios for the finalists who you will meet at the reception:
Paul Sullivan has more than 38 years of fire, rescue and EMS experience. He is currently a Paramedic/Firefighter (Acting Shift Commander) for the Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS in Maryland. Prior to that, he was Assistant Fire Chief at the Sunnyside Fire Department in Washington. His other experience in Maryland includes serving as a Paramedic/Firefighter (Captain) for the Baltimore City
Fire Department, Fire Chief for Middle River Fire & Rescue, and Deputy Chief for the United Steam Fire Engine Company. Mr. Sullivan has a master’s degree in Homeland Security Management, a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, and associate degrees in Nursing, EMS Management, Fire Science Technology, and Occupational Safety & Health.
Harry Ward has over 33 years of fire service experience and he has been the Director of the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute since 2022. Prior to that, he was the Fire Chief for Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue in Oregon from 2016-2022, Regional Fire Training Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training from 2007 – 2016, Director of Fire & Rescue Technology for the Rolla Technical Center in Missouri, Firefighter II / EMT for the City of Kirksville, Missouri, Fire Department, and he was a Volunteer Firefighter for the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department in Missouri. Mr. Ward has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Science.
###
The La Grande Fire Department (LGFD), also known as La Grande Fire Rescue, serves the City of La Grande and surrounding Union County in Northeastern Oregon. Established in 1887, the department has a long history of providing emergency services to the community. In 2024, the department responded to 3,597 calls including building fires, emergency medical services, wildfires, and other emergencies. Beyond the city limits, the LGFD collaborates with neighboring districts, such as the La Grande Rural Fire Protection District (LGRFPD).
