Whether fighting fires or coaching football, Rich Gonzalez puts community first

KODIAK, Alaska (KTUU) - When Rich Gonzalez assumed the title of Fire Chief for the City of Kodiak last July, the fire department was less than eight months away from moving into a brand-new, $24-million station. As soon as the metaphorical ribbons were cut, Gonzalez set right to work ensuring that positive momentum would continue. “I started a homegrown program because it was tough to recruit people with the qualifications already that wanted to stay in Kodiak,” Gonzalez said. “I have several young kids that graduated high school not too long ago, and now they’re here living out their childhood dream, being firefighters.” Those new, homegrown firefighters joined what Gonzalez dubs a ‘family firehouse’ that has several impressive perks, including a fully equipped gym and meeting rooms that are available for community use. Report it to web@ktuu.com.

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