SPOKANE, Wash. — Deputy Fire Chief Julie O'Berg has been named interim fire chief of the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) by newly-elected Mayor Lisa Brown. The news came after Chief Brian Schaeffer announced his retirement from the department after serving as chief since 2017 and being with the SFD for 20 years.
O'Berg takes the position with nearly three decades of experience as a firefighter and paramedic in the Kansas City Metro area. She served the roles of lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and training officer during her time in Kansas City. She also has experience with the Kansas State Incident Management Team.
O'Berg has served as deputy chief of operations with SFD since 2020.
"In times of transition, we find strength in leadership. Deputy Chief O’Berg is an experienced and qualified leader who is not only respected by her colleagues, but who I know will provide stability for the department through this time of change. I am appreciative of her willingness to rise to this challenge and look forward to her input as we move forward,” Mayor Brown said.
O'Berg will not seek the permanent role of fire chief, according to Mayor Lisa Brown's office. The mayor's office will continue to search for a permanent chief with O'Berg fulfilling the responsibilities of chief, and providing oversight until a new chief is named.
"I am proud to serve the members of the Spokane Fire Department and the Spokane community in this role during this time of transition. I look forward to working with both department and city leadership to provide stability and ensure that the department is positioned to excel at our mission,” Deputy Chief O’Berg said.
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