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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Spokane seeking replacement for longtime fire Chief Bobby Williams following retirement

Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams stands in the engine bay at Station One in downtown Spokane on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, the day he announced his retirement after 28 years with the Spokane Fire Department. Five finalists were named to replace Williams by the city on Tuesday. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Kip Hill kiph@spokesman.com(509) 459-5429

Spokane is hoping to hire a replacement for its recently retired veteran fire chief by late June.

The city will accept applications through March 31 for the position vacated by fire Chief Bobby Williams, who retired earlier this year after nearly three decades of leading the department. Five finalists will be selected by a panel of community members, medical services representatives and city employees for on-site interviews in early May, according to a news release from the city on Friday.

Interim Chief Brian Schaeffer has indicated to Mayor David Condon he will apply for the position. He said by text message Friday he remains interested in leading the department.

The Fire Department is hiring an additional 40-plus personnel after receiving a federal grant last year through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The department also is seeking to expand the number of its alternative response units, which respond to medical calls in SUVs or pickups.

The annual salary for the permanent chief will be between $145,846 and $179,192, according to the news release from the city. Williams, who joined the department in 1988, earned $175,011.02 last year, according to city salary data.

The city is seeking applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree in fire protection or administration, with a preference for candidates who also have a master’s degree, according to the news release. Candidates also are expected to have at least a decade of experience in fire protection and emergency management, with five years of administrative experience.