After 39 years of service West Valley Fire and Rescue chief David Leitch announced he is retiring Thursday.
Chief David Leitch started his career at the age of 20 as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 with the West Valley Fire District according to a news release from the district. Since then, Leitch has worked in several ranks with the fire department, including Lieutenant, Yakima County Fire District 12’s first full-time training officer, and as Deputy Chief.
According to a news release sent out by West Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Leitch received many awards throughout his career, including West Valley Fire Department Firefighter of the Year and the Bulldog Award.
Chief Leitch was also named the 2008 Washington State Fire Chief of the Year according to the release. His lengthy career also entailed serving as a Type II Incident Commander working to manage large scale incidents across the western U.S.