City of North Bend release - Lt. Mike Lucero retired Friday after 24 years with the North Bend Fire Department. Fire Chief Jim Brown praised his leadership, professionalism and lasting impact. Lt. Mike Lucero has retired from the North Bend Fire Department, concluding 24 years in the fire service, Fire Chief Jim Brown said.  “Lieutenant Lucero served this department and our community with professionalism, dedication and pride,” Brown said. “He answered the call, stood the watch alongside his crew, and left a lasting impact on those he served with and for.”  Brown said Lucero’s influence extended beyond emergency response, pointing to the example he set for colleagues and the culture he helped reinforce within the department.  “Mike has been a steady, trusted presence — someone others could count on in the hard moments,” Brown said. “His leadership, work ethic and commitment to doing the job the right way strengthened the team around him.” North Bend City Manager David Milliron said Lucero’s career represents a kind of service that shapes a community in ways residents may never fully see.  “For decades, Mike ran toward other people’s emergencies — and he did it with a calm steadiness that made this community safer and this department stronger,” Milliron said. “He carried our worst days on his shoulders so the rest of us could get through them. North Bend will always owe him more than we can ever repay.”  Lucero’s retirement follows a milestone recognized by the department last spring. In April 2025, the department marked Lucero’s 20 years of service and celebrated his promotion to fire lieutenant during a swearing-in ceremony at the fire station, Brown said. During that event, Lucero’s wife pinned his lieutenant badge as firefighters, family members, city officials and community members looked on.  “Lieutenant Lucero has shown incredible commitment to this department and the citizens of North Bend,” Brown said. “His leadership, work ethic and steady presence have made him an invaluable part of our team, and this promotion is very well deserved.”  Brown said Lucero consistently demonstrated the department’s core values, including professionalism, service and integrity.  “He’s the kind of firefighter you want by your side when the alarm sounds,” Brown said. “We are proud to have him in this leadership role, and I know he will continue to serve our community with the same passion and dedication he’s shown throughout his career.”   Brown said Lucero joined the department in 2005 and played a key role in emergency response, public education and mentoring new firefighters.  As Lucero closes this chapter, Brown said the department’s appreciation is lasting.  “We thank Lieutenant Lucero for his years of service and commitment to the fire service,” Brown said. “His contributions will not be forgotten, and he will always remain part of the North Bend Fire family.”  Brown added, “Thank you for your service, Lieutenant Lucero. We’ve got the watch from here.”