Montecito native Jason Copus appointed to fire district board.

Jason Copus was unanimously chosen and sworn in as the newest member of the Montecito Fire Protection District board, replacing Stephen Dougherty; he must run in the 2026 election if he wants to remain on the board.

Jason Copus is the newest member of the Montecito Fire Protection District board. He was chosen unanimously by the four other board members and sworn in on Monday. Copus replaces Stephen Dougherty, who resigned in February. The five-member board governs the district and works directly with the fire chief. What we know: - Copus was chosen unanimously by the other four board members and sworn in on Monday. - He replaces Stephen Dougherty, who resigned in February. - The board now includes Copus, President Peter van Duinwyk, Vice President Sylvia Easton, Secretary Michael Lee, and Joseph Pennino. - Copus is Sales & Marketing Director at the Montecito Inn and previously ran for a board seat in 2024. - He has volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and joined Santa Barbara Search and Rescue in 2023, serving as a rescue member and the public information and education officer. - Because he filled a seat before the term ended, he will be required to run in the 2026 election if he wants to remain on the board. Summary: Copus' appointment fills the seat left vacant by Dougherty and returns the board to full strength. He will need to run in the 2026 election to continue in the role, and the district is preparing to welcome a new fire chief, Brian Fallon, on April 1.