Fire District #3 appoints new fire chief

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Fire District #3 (CCFD #3) has announced Drew Bono as its new fire chief.

“I'm very grateful and humbled that they were willing to instill their trust in me to help continue leading the organization,” said Bono.

Bono is stepping into the role with 14 years of experience in fire service and emergency management, most recently serving as Deputy Fire Chief at Snohomish County Fire District #22 in Getchell, WA.

The new fire chief started his career as a volunteer with Snohomish County Fire District #21, where he was eventually promoted as a part-time volunteer captain. In 2016, he was hired a full-time firefighter in Darrington, later becoming deputy chief of operations, before joining Snohomish County Fire District #22.

Bono’s interest in Leavenworth piqued when he came to help Fire District #3 on a wildfire up Chumstick Highway less than a decade ago.

“I remember when I met everybody, I thought, ‘You know, if Chief O’Brien ever decides to retire, I’m going to throw my name in the hat,’” said Bono. “I’m really glad it worked out. The more time I spend here in the fire district, in the community, the more I know it was the right decision for me.”

According to CCFD #3 Commissioner Mahala Murphy-Martin, the hiring process was facilitated by a committee of commissioners, staff and volunteer firefighters, involving interviews, background checks and site visits.

Martin said Bono came highly regarded by his former station’s staff and leadership, noting his experience with similar-sized departments that operate with both volunteers and full-time staff. She added that his fiscal responsibility, leadership experience, and community engagement stood out among the applicants.

“There's just so many facets to Drew that we feel are really a benefit to our fire district,” said Martin. “We feel he'll be an excellent fit, and that he will be very highly embraced by the community.”

Bono succeeds Fire Chief Kelly O’Brien, who announced his retirement in late 2024, but has since stayed on with the district in a part-time capacity. District leadership said the decision to rehire O’Brien was to help maintain continuity within the department during a series of recent staff promotions.

“I think people will enjoy some of the new ideas that Drew brings to the organization,” said O’Brien.

With Bono’s recent appointment, O’Brien plans to provide assistance with the transition through the end of January.

“I want to thank Fire District #3 and the Leavenworth community for letting me be their firefighter and then fire chief for 37 years,” said O’Brien.

As the new CCFD #3 fire chief, Bono will oversee all daily operations, emergency response services, and administrative divisions for the district, which serves the needs of approximately 5,000 residents and 3.4 million annual visitors. Bono said his first priority will be listening, learning, and building relationships while working alongside the team.

According to the job posting, the district currently operates with 8.5 full-time equivalent positions and a 2026 budget of approximately $1.7 million. In addition to fire suppression, the district operates a snowmobile rescue program, swift-water rescue program, provides extrication services to the Blewett Pass area, and has backup ambulance service for Cascade Medical Center.

Bono will officially be sworn in at the Dec. 9 commissioner meeting.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media