After three and a half decades of service, an integral member of Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, Lieutenant Darryl Arrera, is retiring. Darryl, or “DA” as many call him, started his career as a volunteer firefighter in Black Diamond, Washington, in 1989. He came to Cowlitz 2 in March of 1993, where he was hired as a firefighter.

He was promoted to Driver/Operator in 1999, became a Lieutenant in 2001, and then Captain in 2006. However, in 2007, he elected to return to being a Lieutenant because he felt it was the role that best suited him. During his service, Lieutenant Arrera was recognized with multiple life-saving awards, the C2FR Outstanding Service Award, the C2FR Bronze and Silver Coin awards, and the Meritorious Service Award from the Longview Police Department for a SWAT team event.

In his retirement, he plans to travel with his family, continue with religious missions, and serve as a Cowlitz County Chaplain.

A week from today, at 2 p.m., there will be a retirement social at the Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue main station in Kelso at 701 Vine Street.