Yakima is filling one of its two vacancies in the fire department’s command staff on Monday.
Sunnyside Fire Chief Aaron Markham has been hired to replace Deputy Fire Chief Mark Soptich, who retired Feb. 16. Markham’s last day in Sunnyside is Friday.
But the city is still searching for a replacement for fire Chief Bob Stewart, who retired Feb. 28 after 30 years with the department. So far, at least six people have applied for Stewart’s position, but none are from within the department, City Manager Cliff Moore said. The city stops accepting applications March 19.