Meet the Fire Chief

Fire Chief John McNutt brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the community, with over 28 years of service in fire and emergency services. Chief McNutt began his career in 1996 with the Whitehouse Fire Department in Ohio as a firefighter/EMT-Basic, rising to the rank of captain during his tenure. In addition, he served part-time with the Springfield Township Fire Department from 1998 to 2007.

Chief McNutt has an extensive background in military fire service. In 1998, he joined the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) and later transferred to the 176th Air Wing at Kulis ANGB/JBER in Alaska. Over his distinguished career, he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) and retired in 2022 as the Fire Chief of the 176th Fire Emergency Services Department. His military service included multiple overseas deployments to locations such as the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, and Africa.

On the civilian side, Chief McNutt served the State of Ohio at the 180th Fire Emergency Services as an ARFF/EMT-Basic and later as the Assistant Fire Chief of Training. In 2009, he accepted the position of Fire Chief for Palmer Fire & Rescue in Palmer, Alaska, a role he held until 2020.

Chief McNutt holds an associate degree in fire science from the Community College of the Air Force and comes from a proud family of fire responders. His father is a 44-year retired fire chief, and his brother is a battalion fire chief.

Chief McNutt is married to Elena and has three grown children scattered across the United States. He is committed to continuing Grays Harbor Fire District #2’s tradition of excellence in service, safety, and community engagement.