Steve Brooks, the chief of Lacey Fire District 3, is retiring at the end of this year after a distinguished career spanning nearly 34 years in fire and emergency medical services. He will transition to the role of executive director of the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association. Jennifer Schmidt, the current deputy chief of operations, will take over, marking a significant milestone as one of only five female fire chiefs in Washington. With five years of experience managing a team of 150 first responders who handle over 17,000 calls annually, Schmidt also oversees the department’s training division and has established an accredited fire academy. Brooks previously served for 14 years in Tennessee before joining Lacey Fire District in 2005.

This leadership transition reflects a growing trend towards diversity in fire service leadership, with Schmidt focusing on union leadership and firefighter mental health, making this change significant for both the Lacey community and the representation of women in firefighting statewide.