I am an 18-year year-round resident of Haines and am concerned after reading the June 26, 2025, Chilkat Valley News article regarding the upcoming hiring of a Haines fire chief.
The out-of-state applicants for our public official positions rarely work out, if they even show up. We don’t know them, usually. They often resign before too long, because of one reason or another.
I have lived across the street from Brian and Jackie Clay (Brian being the fire chief applicant) for over 18 years. They have been the best neighbors I have ever had.
Brian grew up here and has lived here the majority of his life. He is always working and/or helping someone out. He is very reliable and industrious, volunteering for many committees (school board, etc.)
The resident volunteer fire chief, he rarely leaves Haines and always answers the fire sirens within a few short minutes. He reports to all scenes in all kinds of weather at all hours of day or night. I’ve heard him start up his truck to go to a scene of: car deaths up the road, suicide shooting by a neighbor, one of the many fires happening more often lately, drownings, two residents died on the same day, shootings, hungry bears in our homes and buildings, bear charging near apple tree, someone lost, etc.
We need a reliable fire chief/EMS. Someone we know and can trust and rely on.
Thank you
Marilyn Taylor