Spokane Fire Chief announces retirement, successor named
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~ Spokane Fire Chief Julie O'Berg has announced her plans to retire in October after nearly four decades of service in the fire department. Mayor Lisa Brown has named current Assistant Chief Tom Williams as the next Fire Chief, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership for the department.

O'Berg has had a distinguished career in the fire service, serving in various roles from firefighter/paramedic to chief. She has worked in both Kansas and Washington, leading teams, responding to emergencies, and shaping training and operations. In 2020, she joined the Spokane Fire Department as Deputy Chief of Operations and was later appointed as Interim Fire Chief at the beginning of Mayor Brown's administration. In April 2024, she became the first woman to ever lead the department.

Her retirement was originally planned for 2023, but O'Berg agreed to serve as Interim Fire Chief and permanently took on the role in April 2024. Her final day with Spokane Fire will be October 6. Assistant Chief Williams will begin his role as Fire Chief on October 7.

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Williams has been with the Spokane Fire Department since June 2020 as Assistant Fire Chief. Prior to this, he spent 30 years working in various roles within the fire service in Oregon. He also served with Portland Fire and Rescue for many years, holding positions such as Battalion Chief, Division Chief, and Deputy Chief.

Aside from his command experience, Williams also served for 20 years as a tactical medic with the Portland Police Bureau and worked part-time as a flight paramedic with Air Life. He is a graduate of the prestigious Fire Service Executive Development Institute and currently serves on the board of directors for Washington Fire Chiefs.

Chief O'Berg expressed her gratitude towards Mayor Brown, her executive team, and members of the department for their trust, professionalism, and dedication during her time as chief. She stated that she is proud of what they have accomplished together and will continue to support the department from the sidelines.

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Mayor Brown also praised Chief O'Berg for her dedication and leadership, stating that her impact will be felt for years to come. She expressed full confidence in incoming Chief Williams, who she believes will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Chief O'Berg.

Incoming Chief Williams expressed his honor in leading the Spokane Fire Department following Chief O'Berg's retirement. He stated that he is saddened to see her go but is grateful for the time they worked together. He also commended her as one of the finest Fire Chiefs he has ever served alongside.

He also thanked Mayor Brown for the opportunity to continue serving the Spokane community and lead such a dedicated, skilled, and professional department.

With Chief O'Berg's retirement and Assistant Chief Williams' promotion, the Spokane Fire Department is set for a smooth transition in leadership. The department will continue its mission of serving and protecting the community under new leadership while honoring Chief O'Berg's legacy.

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