SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Fire Chief, Chief O’Berg, is set to retire with her last day on October 6. The following day, Assistant Chief Tom Williams will take over as the new fire chief. Chief O’Berg and Williams joined Spokane Fire in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They quickly became close friends and strong partners in leadership. Chief O’Berg described Williams as a man full of integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
“You don’t want somebody that just nods their heads and tells you that that. Oh, that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard, chief,” she said, highlighting their strong working relationship.
With more than three decades as a first responder in Oregon, Chief O’Berg is ready to enjoy her retirement.
She expressed her anticipation for leisure, stating, “I want to see what it feels like to be bored for just a moment at least.”
Throughout her career, Chief O’Berg has strived to be remembered for her work ethic and belief in diversity.
“I’ve strived my entire career to be, to be a good firefighter or to be a good company officer, or to be a good chief officer, not to be a good female firefighter or a good female company officer,” she stated.
Assistant Chief Tom Williams, who will soon lead the department, expressed his honor and humility in taking on the role.
“Probably one of the most things that I’ve enjoyed the best is we’re constantly laughing,” Williams said.
Williams plans to continue improving the department while maintaining the strong leadership already in place.
“There’s lots of places that we can look to be better but as far as drastic changes in the service that you see today, we’re doing good. We have great leadership in the stations. We have young talent also in the stations that are ready to, to develop. Our battalion chiefs are doing good things.
Chief O’Berg’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career, leaving a legacy of dedication and excellence in Spokane’s fire department.
