Bellingham Fire Department Chief Bill Newbold, who has held the position for five years and worked for the department since 2013, is planning to retire in March.
Assistant Chief Jay Comfort told The Bellingham Herald of Newbold’s decision in an interview Tuesday, and Newbold confirmed his decision in an email to The Bellingham Herald later in the day.
“I’m excited for Chief Newbold to retire at a young age and wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement,” Comfort told The Herald in a follow-up email Tuesday. “I will miss his professionalism and thoughtful consideration to make this organization better.”
Newbold was appointed interim fire chief by Mayor Kelli Linville after Roger Christensen retired as chief on Jan. 15, 2014.