Bill Newbold, Bellingham's fire chief, recently announced his plans to retire.
Newbold has been with the city since 2013, when he took up the duties of the Assistant Chief of Operations. In all, he has 30 years' public service.
Newbold's hiring for the position of Assistant Chief was the result of a nationwide search; he was appointed to the position of Fire Chief the following year. Newbold began his career early in the 1990s with the King County Fire District 44, serving on a voluntary basis. At the time, he was working for Boeing in the capacity of aerospace engineer.
In 1993, he joined the Redmond Fire Department at the entry level, and rose to Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). As Deputy Chief, Newbold directed the operations of Redmond Medic One, a county-wide system of medical response. He completed his State and Local Government Senior Executives Program at Harvard University, as well as the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) issued credentials certifying him as a Chief Fire Officer.
Newbold says he is sad to leave the city and his colleagues, but is looking forward to spending time with his family. For her part, Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville said she has enjoyed working with the chief, and appreciates his professionalism. Like others, she will miss him. Occasions like this can be enhanced if colleagues work with Print shops to create tasteful gifts.
Newbold's retirement date is March 15.
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