During the June 24 Snoqualmie City Council meeting, Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mike Bailey introduced the newest member of the department’s staff, Deputy Chief Chris Brown, to the community and the council.

“I think Chris is going to bring some great things, and bring some great energy, to the department,” Bailey said during the meeting. “I’m looking forward to him working side by side with me in the fire department.”

Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross presented Brown with a new helmet, and his wife pinned on his new badge.

As deputy chief and second in command, Brown will supervise officers, serve as the department safety officer, manage daily operations and act in Bailey’s place in his absence, Bailey wrote in an email.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for my family and I to serve as the next deputy chief of Snoqualmie Fire,” Brown said while briefly addressing the council. “Really excited to bring all of my experience and knowledge and everything I have in my tool belt to Snoqualmie Fire.”

Before accepting the new position, Brown spent 20 years as a U.S. Air Force firefighter, serving departments in Alaska, Florida, Honduras and England, according to a city press release.

Most recently, for the past two years, he worked as the chief of training at the Washington State Fire Training Academy, located between North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass.

“All candidates had excellent qualifications, but Deputy Chief Brown’s military background and leadership made him stand out,” Bailey wrote. “Since I have been with the department for 25 years, I thought he would be a good complement to me and bring an outside perspective to the department.”

Brown began his position on July 1.

Dep. Chief Chris Brown’s wife pinning on his new badge. (Photo courtesy of the city of Snoqualmie)