PORT ANGELES — Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue has a new second-in-command. Kevin Denton officially stepped into the role of Deputy Chief last week, bringing decades of firefighting and leadership experience back to his hometown.
Chief Jake Patterson says the position had been left vacant for almost a year. The district decided it could afford to fill it after voters approved a levy lid lift in November.
Denton’s roots run deep in Port Angeles. He grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, graduated from Port Angeles High School, and started his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Port Angeles Fire Department in 1997. Over the years, he worked his way up, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1999, a Lieutenant in 2009, and eventually moving into leadership roles in East Olympia and SE Thurston fire districts. After retiring in 2024, Denton moved back home with his wife, Jen, and their three boys.
In his new role, Denton will oversee day-to-day operations, training, and interagency cooperation.