Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Friday, January 5, 2024 at 8:12 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer have mutually agreed on the Chief’s retirement from the Spokane Fire Department. The agreement comes as Mayor Brown had plans to transition the role and after Chief Schaeffer had expressed his intention to retire to the previous administration and department leadership. Chief Schaeffer will be stepping down from his role as Fire Chief on January 15, but will assist with the transition and remain with the department until March 31, 2024.
Chief Schaeffer has led the department since 2017 and has been with Spokane Fire for the better part of two decades. He has helped lead the community through many emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped develop innovative programs like the Behavioral Health Response Unit, Community Assistance Response Team, and Alternative Response Team.
“It has been an honor to lead and serve alongside the exceptional individuals at the Spokane Fire Department over the past 20 years. The experiences gained and the relationships forged will forever be cherished. I look forward to seeing the SFD continue to thrive and set benchmarks in public safety and community service,” Chief Schaeffer said.
“Chief Schaeffer is a dedicated public servant who has helped our community both in times of crisis and in times of celebration. I thank him for his commitment to our community and wish him the best as he heads into retirement,” Mayor Brown said.
Assistant Fire Chief Tom Williams will remain in his role and continue to manage day-to-day department operations. Additional details on the transition process, including naming an interim chief, will be released soon.
