Bret Black has accepted an employment offer to take the helm of East Jefferson Fire Rescue.
Black will assume command as fire chief on Dec. 1, the department announced Monday.
“I am …
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Bret Black has accepted an employment offer to take the helm of East Jefferson Fire Rescue.
Black will assume command as fire chief on Dec. 1, the department announced Monday.
“I am excited to join the talented EJFR team and look forward to getting to know the professionals that serve the community,” Black said in an announcement.
“I am eager to embrace the organizational culture and capitalize on the knowledge and experience of EJFR,” he added. “It is an honor to serve the community and learn about the local culture and heritage that values innovation and public service.”
Black is currently the fire chief in Piedmont, California and is a 27-year veteran of the fire service.
Black will replace Interim Fire Chief Dan Smith, the chief of North Kitsap Fire & Rescue who joined the department in July following the earlier resignation of chief
Jim Walkowski.
East Jeff Fire Board Chairman Dave Johnson led the search committee to find a new chief.
“Under the leadership of Chief Black we’re confident that EJFR will continue the tradition of delivering quality EMS and fire service to our community,” Johnson said in the department’s announcement earlier this week. “We look forward to gaining momentum as we move toward a strong future as a department.”
Black started his career as a volunteer at Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department in 1994, and has worked at both volunteer and volunteer/paid firefighter departments.
Black began his firefighting career at the Skywalker Ranch Fire Department in 1997 before joining the Clovis Fire Department since 1999.
In the Clovis department, Black rose through the ranks from firefighter to engineer, captain, training officer, and battalion chief before becoming chief of the Piedmont department. He is a graduate of Anna Maria College and holds a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency service management as well as a master’s degree in public administration.
“My wife Nimai and I are thrilled to get to know the community and explore the natural treasures of the region,” Black said. “We plan on moving to town over Thanksgiving weekend in preparation for starting the new job on Dec. 1.”
