Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker has appointed Tom Huntington to be the interim Yakima fire chief following the retirement of Aaron Markham at the end of last month. Huntington’s first day on the job was today, Monday, July 6th.
Huntington is a senior partner, teacher, and coach with The Referent Group, a company that provides leadership development training to the public and private sectors. He served more than thirty years in the fire service, including more than a decade as the chief of the Richland Fire Department.
Baker is continuing to evaluate next steps to fill the fire chief role on a long-term basis.
“Tom has the experience and expertise to provide the leadership the Yakima Fire Department needs during this transition period,” said Baker. “He’ll be focusing on supervision and support of department personnel, developing the department budget, advancing key strategic initiatives, and interacting with other emergency service providers and the community.”
Huntington is a graduate of the National Fire Safety Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and holds a bachelor’s degree in fire services administration. He has taught leadership in university, academy, and professional settings and has spoken nationally regarding the future of the fire service and public safety.
