Tom McGowan, Deputy Chief
Evans Valley Fire District #6

Deputy Chief Tom McGowan began his fire service career in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter with Upper Pine Fire and Rescue in Bayfield, Colorado. In 1998, he joined Grants Pass Fire and Rescue as an intern firefighter and was hired full-time in 2000. During that time, he also served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.

Throughout his tenure with Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, Chief McGowan served in a variety of roles including Company Officer, Field Training Officer for recruit and student firefighters, SWAT Operator, Extrication Lead, and Behavioral Health Coordinator.

In 2011, he joined Medford Fire-Rescue and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2013. On October 31, 2023, he joined Ashland Fire & Rescue as a Division Chief, where he oversees Training, EMS, and the Single Role EMS Division.

Chief McGowan has also served many years on a Type II Incident Management Team where he has served in leadership and supervisory roles for the largest wildfires on the west coast.

A central passion throughout Chief McGowan’s career has been supporting the behavioral health and wellness of emergency responders. He served 14 years on the Critical Incident Stress Response Team and helped develop a behavioral health program serving fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies across Southern Oregon.

Chief McGowan holds certifications as an EMT–Paramedic, Fire Officer IV, Type II Operations Section Chief, and Fire Instructor. He has earned an associate degree in Fire Science and Emergency Medicine, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, and the Executive Fire Officer Certificate from the National Fire Academy.

Outside of work, Chief McGowan enjoys traveling, outdoor recreation, riding his motorcycle, and supporting his children in their sports and personal projects.

He is honored to join the Evans Valley Fire District team and to support Chief Davison’s vision for the organization. Chief McGowan looks forward to using his experience and passion for public service to support the residents and recreationists of Evans Valley and to help develop the next generation of public safety professionals.