Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 10:02 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown has appointed Julie O’Berg to be the permanent Chief of the Spokane Fire Department.
Chief O’Berg has been serving as Interim Chief since mid-January and will step into her new role once approved by the Spokane City Council.
“I am thrilled Chief O’Berg has agreed to stay with the Spokane Fire Department and step into this role. While we originally discussed that she would not seek the permanent position, I am glad she reconsidered. I have reviewed internal survey results, received feedback, and seen Chief O’Berg’s performance over the past few months. She is an effective and well-respected leader who is a tremendous asset to our fire department and the Spokane community,” Mayor Brown said.
“I am honored and humbled to be appointed as Spokane’s Fire Chief. I am grateful to Mayor Brown and the city leadership for their trust and confidence in me. I am committed to advancing the mission of the Spokane Fire Department, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Spokane community, and supporting the dedicated firefighters and personnel who serve with distinction every day,” Chief O’Berg said. “As a department, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of service, professionalism, and innovation. As a department, we will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our community while honoring our traditions. I look forward to working collaboratively with city officials, community partners, and department members to ensure the continued success and effectiveness of the Spokane Fire Department.”
Chief O’Berg joined the Spokane Fire Department in 2020 as Deputy Chief of Operations. She spent 28 years with the Overland Park Fire Department in the Kansas City Metro area, where she began as a firefighter and paramedic, and progressed through the roles of Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. She also spent time in the investigations unit, as a Training Officer, and served with the Kansas State Incident Management Team.
Chief O’Berg is the first woman to lead Spokane’s fire department.
