Mount Vernon swears in Brian Harris as fire chief; three officers promoted

Mount Vernon, Washington — Brian Harris was sworn in as fire chief during a City of Mount Vernon ceremony, where the city also promoted James Sanders to assistant chief, Denise Goodfellow to battalion chief and Kevin Eden to captain. The event included remarks from department leaders and Mayor Donovan and followed the announced retirement of outgoing Fire Chief Brian Bryce, who is set to retire April 25.

The ceremony highlighted internal advancement within the Mount Vernon Fire Department and lengthy service by its members. “These are 1 of those events that are just so exciting in our fire service ... the opportunity to promote not just the fire chief, but several of our folks and move them up through the ranks,” said Chief Price, who opened remarks before the oath. Mayor Donovan said promotions from within the department are a priority: “It’s always a really good day when you can promote someone from within your own organization ... because we get to do that 4 times.”

Harris, who told the assembled guests he has worked with the department for 28 years, took the oath of office administered at the ceremony. “After 28 years with this department, I can honestly say this place has seen me at my best, they see me at my worst, and everything in between,” Harris said in his acceptance remarks. He pledged to “lead with integrity and listen before I speak.” Harris also named James Sanders as his assistant chief, saying Sanders “brings experience, vision, and a strong commitment to the mission,” and noting Sanders was the only candidate who volunteered to apply for the position.

Denise Goodfellow and Kevin Eden were sworn in to their new ranks during the same program. Mayor Donovan described Goodfellow’s promotion as “a well earned milestone that speaks to Denise’s dedication, leadership and grit.” The mayor also praised Eden’s operational leadership when announcing his promotion to captain.

The oath taken by Harris, Sanders, Goodfellow and Eden referenced support for the Constitution of the United States, the constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and the ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon. The ceremony concluded with department members and guests celebrating the promotions.

No formal council votes or agenda items were recorded in the transcript concerning these promotions; the transcript documents the ceremonial swearing-in and accompanying remarks.