The City of Tukwila announced Jay Wittwer as the finalist for the City’s permanent Fire Chief position. His confirmation will be presented to the City Council on Monday, August 1. The meeting will begin at 7:00 in the Tukwila City Council Chambers located at 6200 Southcenter Boulevard, Tukwila, Washington. If confirmed, he will be introduced to the Council and a subsequent meeting on August 8.

“Jay is a great fit for the Tukwila Fire Department, and I am confident that he will provide strong leadership in the department,” commented Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg. “Jay was chosen because of his passion for the fire service, his strong educational background and his experience in mentoring young firefighters.”

Additional factors that led to Wittwer’s appointment include his significant experience working in a fire department that consists of more than twice the number of personnel than the City of Tukwila, and his proven fiscal management. Wittwer’s proven leadership and experience enhancing organizational effectiveness were clear assets to the City representatives on the interview panels.

“I was drawn to this position because of the strong reputation of the Tukwila Fire Department and the firefighters who serve the city. In addition, the unique nature of Tukwila brings many interesting challenges and rewards, and I look forward to getting to know the community better over the coming months,” said Jay Wittwer.

Currently a Battalion Chief at the City of North Las Vegas, Wittwer has served in the fire service since 1987. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service and a Masters in Public Administration, both from Columbia Southern University. Wittwer completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Commission of Professional Credentialing in May of 2016. He also has previously served as lead instructor at the Fire Fighter Academy in North Las Vegas.

Originally from Las Vegas, Jay Wittwer and his wife Wendy will relocate to the Tukwila area in the coming weeks. They have six adult children.

If confirmed, Wittwer will take over as the Tukwila Fire Chief on September 15, 2016.