Brad Doerflinger lost a title, and it is good news for both him and Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety.

Since September of 2009 Doerflinger has been the interim fire chief of the department. At the Sept. 16 King County Protection District No. 43 Fire Board of Commissioners meeting the decision was made to remove the interim title and promote Doerflinger to the fire chief of the department permanently.

Along with promoting Doerflinger to fire chief, Matt Cowan was moved into the deputy chief position.

The 51-year-old Doerflinger has been with the Maple Valley fire department for 30 years.

“I started as a probationary firefighter and I’ve held every position,” Doerflinger said. “It’s an honor to serve the department and community in the capacity of fire chief. I take this responsibility very seriously.”

Doerflinger was moved into the interim fire chief position after former Fire Chief Tim Lemon’s contract was terminated by the board in August 2009.

The 42-year-old Cowan has been with the department for 18 years, since 1992.

Another piece of good news for the fire district came when the assessed values of property came in lower — by about half — than anticipated.

Doerflinger said the fire district expected the assessed value to be at minus seven and the numbers came in at about minus 3.6.

The fire chief said there will be no staff layoffs in the 2011 budget he will present to the board and no reduction in the level of service.

Doerflinger also said the district does not “anticipate going to voters for any fire measures next year.”

The department had two firefighters leave recently, but Doerflinger said they were career choices for both, not because of staff reductions.

Todd Merry was hired by King County Medic 1 and Michael Johnson joined the Bellingham Fire Department.