Warren County has appointed a new fire coordinator whose hiring represents a homecoming of sorts.
Jay Ogden is a Glens Falls High graduate who joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, and went on to a career in fire service in North Carolina. He recently retired, and upon moving back to Warren County, sought to return to public service.
That desire led to the Warren County Office of Emergency Services recently choosing Ogden to serve as the county’s part-time fire coordinator, to replace the retiring Brian LaFlure.
Ogden spent 25 years in the Charlotte, North Carolina Fire Department after 4 years in the Marines. He most recently served as special operations logistics manager, and was the department’s 2020 Firefighter of the Year. He also has served as a volunteer firefighter in North Carolina, holding various leadership positions including rescue chief.
In Charlotte, Ogden helped oversee department response to major public safety events around the Southeastern U.S.
“I am happy to be returning to the community where I was born and raised, and to find a way to serve our community is a bonus,” Ogden said. “I have longed for the opportunity to return to public service on a regular basis, and I look forward to working with the public safety sector to continue and potentially increase services to the citizens of Warren County.”
LaFlure, who served as Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator, is working with Ogden during the transition. The Fire Coordinator’s Office’s three deputy fire coordinators, Ted Little, Scott Combs and Chip Mellon, as well as Hazardous Materials Coordinator Jamie Schrammel, are remaining in their positions.
Ogden will report to Warren County Director of Emergency Services Ann Marie Mason.
“I’m very happy with Jay’s experience and what he has been able to do so far, and I look forward to working with him,” Mason said.
Rachel Seeber, Chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, expressed gratitude for LaFlure’s nearly 5 decades of public service.
"On behalf of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, I would like to thank Brian LaFlure for his service, tireless efforts, dedication, passion, energy and commitment to our residents here in Warren County,” Seeber said. “It is because of these efforts that we are able to focus on continued regional partnerships moving forward with such a proactive and positive approach as we welcome Mr. Ogden back home to join our Warren County team."
Ogden is living in Queensbury with his wife and two children.
He can be reached at ogdenj@warrencountyny.gov.