March 13, 2025
In his 29 years with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, Jason Allen has served in nearly every agency role possible.
In 1999, he became one of the first three career firefighters hired by the district.
On March 12, in front of a room filled with friends, family, and fellow firefighters, Allen was officially sworn in as the district’s sixth fire chief – and the first chief promoted from within the department.
Outgoing Fire Chief Levon Yengoyan opened the evening by reflecting on the qualities that he admires in Chief Allen.
“The characteristic I love most about Jason is his passion,” Yengoyan said. “It is because of this passion that tonight, he’s being called to fill the role of our fire chief. I’m thrilled to see you taking on the role of fire chief and I know Camano Island Fire and Rescue will thrive under your leadership.”
Kim Williams, chair of the district’s Board of Fire Commissioners, echoed Yengoyan’s sentiments.
“We knew that finding [Yengoyan’s] replacement was quite possibly the most important decision the board had to make,” she said. “This is an incredible organization and it deserves the best. Chief Allen is recognized by all of you and throughout the fire service for his expertise and his commitment to the teams he serves.”
After formally taking his oath of office, Allen thanked his family and everyone who made his journey possible. He also shared a few words about what the oath of office and role of fire chief means to him.
“This oath is not just a formality – it is a pledge of honor, integrity and unwavering service to the people who depend on us,” Allen said. “More than anything, this oath is a reminder that leadership is not about personal recognition, it is about responsibility.”
Allen spoke passionately about the caring, professional team at Camano Fire who, no matter the situation, treat the community with kindness and respect, and of his commitment to supporting a culture of resilience, health, and well-being.
“Tonight I stand before you not just as your fire chief, but as your teammate, your advocate, and your biggest supporter,” Allen said. “I am honored to serve in this role, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
A lifelong passion for serving others
Chief Allen’s interest in the fire service started in high school – and two notable incidents during his college years only solidified that desire.
In 1995, the Mary Pang warehouse fire in Seattle claimed the lives of four Seattle firefighters. Little more than a year later, as a volunteer firefighter for Snohomish County District 14, Allen responded to the Twin City Foods fire.
“I spent all night there fighting the fire,” he said. “I was sitting on a 2 ½” hose, flowing water into the freezer section of the building when I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to serve my community and make a difference in people’s daily lives.”
In 1997, Allen started volunteering for Camano Fire. In 1999, the district decided to hire its first three career firefighters. Competition for jobs was very tough at the time, and when Camano Fire offered Allen a position, he jumped at the chance. It was the best decision he could have made.
“Working here means I’ve had the chance to train, work on special rescue teams, and take on projects that at a different agency, I doubt I would have,” Allen said. “The advantage of working at all levels here is that I know firsthand what challenges our people face, and – as chief – I can try to help them find solutions.”
Allen assumes the role of Chief at a time of growth and change for Camano Fire. The district is growing in response to increasing calls for service and population growth – and many senior members have retired or taken positions in other departments. Leading a young organization, developing a system to support entry-level firefighters in their career goals, and continuing the district’s strategic efforts to improve service to the island are among the challenges Allen looks forward to tackling.
“The district is in incredible shape thanks to the efforts of Chief Yengoyan and the amazing people who work here,” Allen said. “As I said last night, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before and the foundation we have built. We have a fantastic culture, with talented and committed employees who love their community. My job is to continue giving them the support they need to develop and perform at a high level.”
During his time with Camano Fire, Allen was promoted to Captain in 2001 and again in 2008 after the department was restructured. He spent 3 years as an Administrative Captain and 12 as the department’s training officer. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in August of 2019.
Allen is a graduate of Stanwood High School and the University of Washington, where he earned a degree in History. Outside of work, he helps coach goalkeepers for the Stanwood High School girls’ soccer team and a U-8 youth recreation soccer team. In his free time, Allen enjoys playing rec-league soccer, fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.