07/30/2026
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Mayor Dan Johnson has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Richie Lucas as the next Fire Chief of the Lewiston Fire Department. Lucas will officially assume the role on September 5, 2026.
Chief Lucas brings more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Lewiston Fire Department and has steadily advanced through the ranks during his career in our community. He began serving the department as a Reserve Trainee on January 4, 2006, before becoming a Reserve Firefighter later that year. He was hired as a full-time Firefighter in 2008, promoted to Engineer in 2012, Captain in 2017, Interim Deputy Fire Chief in 2023, and officially appointed Deputy Fire Chief later that year.
Over the course of his career, Chief Lucas has built a reputation as a respected leader, instructor, and paramedic. In addition to his operational responsibilities with the Lewiston Fire Department, he served for more than a decade as an adjunct instructor at Lewis-Clark State College, helping educate future emergency medical professionals in EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic courses. His experience also includes serving as a wildland firefighter and fireline medic, providing emergency medical support on wildfire incidents throughout the region.
Chief Lucas has remained committed to professional growth throughout his career. He is a graduate of the High Performance Leadership Academy and has completed the National Fire Academy's New Executive Chief Officer Course, Incident Command and Control Course, and advanced Incident Command System training. He is a Certified Blue Card Command Instructor and Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer, and maintains extensive certifications in structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and advanced emergency medical services.
Beyond emergency response, Chief Lucas has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to strengthening both the department and the community. He served for more than a decade as the Lewiston Fire Department's Physical Fitness Coordinator, was a founding member of the Lewiston Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, and has volunteered as a local youth football coach. His dedication to public service has earned numerous honors, including the Lewiston Fire Department Distinguished Service Medal, the VFW EMT of the Year Award, Paramedic of the Year, the Stork Award, and the Unit Meritorious Award.
As Fire Chief, Lucas will oversee the department's emergency response operations, emergency medical services, fire prevention programs, training, and community risk reduction efforts. He says he looks forward to building on the department's strong foundation while continuing to invest in employee development, operational readiness, and regional partnerships that enhance public safety in Lewiston and throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley.
"It is an incredible honor and privilege to step into the role of Fire Chief for the Lewiston Fire Department," said Chief Lucas. "Having served as Deputy Chief, I'm truly excited for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team and take on the challenges ahead. This wouldn't be possible without the constant support of my family and the strong collaboration from all our City departments and neighboring agencies. I also want to extend my gratitude to Chief Rightmier for his leadership and dedicated service to Lewiston, and I wish him all the very best in his next chapter."
Mayor Dan Johnson said he is confident Chief Lucas is the right person to lead the department into its next chapter.
"Richie has devoted his career to serving the people of Lewiston and has consistently demonstrated the professionalism, integrity, and leadership our community expects from its Fire Chief," said Mayor Johnson. "Over the past two decades, he has earned the respect of his fellow firefighters, City leadership, and our regional public safety partners. I've had the opportunity to work alongside Richie as Deputy Fire Chief and have seen firsthand his commitment to the department, his people, and our community. His experience, calm leadership, and dedication to continuous improvement make him exceptionally well-qualified to lead the Lewiston Fire Department. I am confident he will provide outstanding service to our residents for years to come."
Chief Lucas succeeds Greg Rightmier, who accepted the position of Fire Chief for Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue in Washington. See previous announcment: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17vDgvRGdd/
The City of Lewiston extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Rightmier for his dedicated service and leadership and wishes him and his family continued success in their next chapter. The City also congratulates Chief Lucas on his appointment and looks forward to the continued excellence of the Lewiston Fire Department under his leadership.
