After nearly 40 years in the fire service, Spokane Fire Chief Julie O’Berg plans to retire in October. In an emailed announcement, O’Berg says she intended to retire in 2023 but agreed to serve as interim fire chief at the start of Mayor Lisa Brown’s administration and permanently moved into the role in April 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the department. Brown has named current Assistant Chief Tom Williams as Spokane’s next fire chief, effective Oct. 7. Williams has served as assistant fire chief since June 2020. Prior to his time in Spokane, he spent 30 years in various fire service roles across Oregon. “I am honored to lead the Spokane Fire Department following the retirement of Chief O’Berg. While I am saddened to see her step down, I am deeply grateful for the…..