We'd like to congratulate our new Fire Chief Doug Willis on his appointment effective June 1st!

 

Doug is a third generation firefighter.  Both his father and grandfather worked for the Tacoma Fire Department.  His father served from 1949-1974 and his grandfather started the family tradition in 1927, then served for thirty years.  While in school, Doug saw himself becoming a teacher, however at eighteen, he was eager to work.  After a year in construction, he realized the importance of a steady job with benefits. This was the first time he seriously considered being a firefighter.

 

Doug enrolled in the Bates Fire Service training program. Due to the financial commitment of owning a house, he only attended Bates for a couple months; however, this did not end his quest to be a firefighter.  He continued to study on his own and take firefighter tests. In the spring of 1980, he was one of six firefighters hired by (at that time) the Summit-South Hill fire district.

 

In 1984, Doug was promoted to lieutenant and in 1987, he was promoted to captain. When the three fire districts merged to make up Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, he spent ten years frequently filling in as battalion chief.

 

In the 1990’s, Doug served as Vice President of the Firefighter Union Local 2175 and as the fourth district representative with the Washington State Council of Firefighters. 

 

After 24 years of service in the field, Doug promoted to Deputy Chief in 2004 and will now serve as fire chief.

 

His hobbies include snow skiing, outdoor activities and traveling with his wife.