Lacey Fire District 3 Chief Steve Brooks is retiring at the end of 2024 after a distinguished 34-year career in fire and emergency services. His successor, Deputy Chief Jennifer Schmidt, will step into the role, making her one of only five women fire chiefs in Washington state. Schmidt has led a team of 150 career first responders, managing over 17,000 calls annually and overseeing the training division and fire academy. Brooks will transition to executive director of the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association after 14 years of service in Tennessee and 19 years in Lacey. This leadership change marks a significant moment in the district's history, emphasizing the growing role of women in fire service leadership.