Lake Oswego Fire Chief Larry Goff Fired, Was With LOFD 36 Years

LAKE OSWEGO, OR – Larry Goff's 36 years with the Lake Oswego Fire Department came to an end on Tuesday. Goff, who has been the department's chief since 2016, was let go by City Manager Scott Lazenby.

Goff will ultimately be replaced by Chief of Police Don Johnson. In the interim, Assistant Chief Dan Morris will will be the acting chief.

Word of Goff's dismissal first came to light in a statement from the local firefighters union.

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The city, which is trying to reduce spending, has been studying the possibility of cutting the number of firefighters in the city including closing the South Shore Fire Station.

Goff sent a message to fire department saying he was let go because he wouldn't support a plan to close the station.

The union representing Lake Oswego firefighters put out a statement saying that the city is even considering closing the station and laying off firefighters means that they are gambling with public safety.

"It is very disappointing to see city leaders consider any decrease in the public’s safety” the president of the Professional Firefighters Association of Clackamas County, Karl Koenig said. "Reducing the number of firefighters protecting this community makes no sense. Lake Oswego has consistently seen an increase in emergency responses across the city.

"Jeopardizing public safety by reducing the number of firefighters when our community needs us most is irresponsible."

Goff's last say will be December 31st and Johnson will start a week later.

Photo via Lake Oswego.