For the first time in city history, the Spokane Fire Department will be led in part by a woman.
“Since 1884,” said Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “It’s exciting. It’s progressive.”
On Monday, city officials announced Trisha Wolford would work as the department’s assistant fire chief. The position was previously held by Schaeffer, who was promoted to fire chief in May following the retirement of Bobby Williams, who worked as fire chief for 28 years.
“I can’t think of a better place to support the efforts of our firefighters, leaders and city officials,” Wolford said in a city news release. “I look forward to being a part of this vibrant community and working alongside the men and women of the Spokane Fire Department.”
Wolford, who will transition into her new role in Spokane in a few weeks, comes from the Bozeman Fire Department in Montana, where she held the position of deputy fire chief since December 2015. While there, she was responsible for operations and activities of the fire investigation division.