Council introduces ordinance to rename Baker fire station for longtime chief James E. "Goose" Cowell

The Baker City Council introduced Ordinance 2025‑5 to rename a Baker fire station in honor of James E. “Goose” Cowell. The item was introduced for first reading; a public hearing will be scheduled during the council’s meeting in two weeks.

Council members who spoke at the meeting described Cowell as a long‑time fire department leader and a widely available mentor to municipal staff. One council member said Cowell served as fire chief for 25 years and recounted personal memories, including Cowell bringing a breakfast sandwich to a newly arrived official—an anecdote council members used to illustrate his long service and accessibility to the community.

Why it matters: Naming a public facility recognizes local service and provides a permanent acknowledgement of Cowell’s role in the city’s public safety history. The ordinance is at introductory stage; the council will hold a public hearing in two weeks where residents may comment before a final vote.

Action taken: The council voted to introduce the ordinance; the motion carried by voice vote. At the meeting a speaker confirmed Mrs. Cowell has passed; family matters were discussed briefly but no policy decision beyond introduction was taken.

Next steps: The item will return for a public hearing at the next meeting (two weeks from the introduction) and may be adopted after the hearing if the council votes to do so.