Those vying to replace longtime Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams will include two candidates with long ties to the region’s firefighting efforts. Interim Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer and Spokane County Fire District 8 Chief Tony Nielsen are among the five finalists to permanently succeed Williams, who led the Spokane Fire Department for 28 years, the longest tenure in the history of the agency.
- PUB DATE: 5/2/2017 2:46:21 PM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review

Facing a decline in its volunteer ranks, many at Vashon’s fire department say personnel numbers have become so low that they are concerned they will not be able to respond adequately to fires or a cluster of medical emergencies. Last week, Chief Charlie Krimmert, who began his position in January after 16 years as a volunteer with the department, addressed the staffing issue at a Sunday board retreat and at the regular commissioners’ meeting two days later.
- PUB DATE: 5/2/2017 1:01:25 PM - SOURCE: Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber