Fire Chief Walkowski to resign

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The search is on for a new chief to lead East Jefferson County Fire Rescue.

Fire Chief Jim Walkowski recently told fire district commissioners of his intent to resign, and at the board’s last meeting, officials talked about the process to select a new chief.

The job was officially posted May 29, and the fire district is taking applications for the post through July 16.

Walkowski gave notice because his wife’s job requires her to move back to Spokane, said Fire Commissioner Dave Johnson. 

Walkowski began his career in the fire service with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department in 1985 and rose to the rank of chief before leaving in 2006. 

He came to East Jefferson Fire Rescue from Spokane County Fire District 9, where he had been the assistant chief of emergency services, in December 2017. 

Walkowski began his career in the fire service with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department in 1985 and rose to the rank of chief before leaving in 2006. 

During his 35-year career, Walkowski also served with the SeaTac Fire Department, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, and the Riverside Fire Authority. A member of the International Fire Chiefs Association and Inland Empire Fire Chiefs Association, he has been a board member and president of the Washington Fire Chiefs Association.

According to the employment announcement, the salary for the position of fire chief is set between $140,000 and $155,000, and the actual salary amount will be set based on the qualifications of the chosen candidate.

The fire department has an annual budget of approximately $9.2 million and a workforce that includes 40 career staff, five resident volunteer firefighters, and 30 volunteers.

The fire chief is the executive officer of Jefferson County Fire District 1 and provides administrative direction and leadership for all operations and personnel, according to the job description adopted by fire commissioners at their last meeting.

The chief is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all activities of the department, and also manages the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities, as well the preparation of the fire department’s budget.

According to the job posting, “the ideal candidate will be an engaged manager and mentor with a history of building and maintaining strong teams. In addition, the candidate must have demonstrated personal integrity and a proven track record of honesty at all times.”

Applicants for the post must submit an application and candidates will eventually be interviewed by a panel of fire district members.

Johnson is leading the search committee; Chairman Rich Stapf Jr. said he might be a replacement candidate for the departing chief, and so, has recused himself from the process to replace Walkowski.

Johnson said the committee has met repeatedly in recent weeks to talk about how to find a replacement.

“We’ll see where it goes. We’re hoping to get a really great candidate,” Johnson said.

He said three approaches to finding a new chief have been set out.

The job has been posted internally, and a regional search has just been launched. If a new chief can’t be found in the area, the fire district will then conduct a national search.

There’s also been talk of hiring an interim chief if that’s needed while the search continues, Johnson said.

“We have some great, highly qualified people within the department. And if it’s not going to be too long, the internal people can take it and run with it and do a fantastic job,” he said.

One thing’s for certain: The department hopes to find a new chief with the same qualities as the departing one, Johnson said.

“I think he’s probably the best chief I’ve been around,” Johnson said of Walkowski.