Fire Chief Lee Soptich Receives the "Fire Chief of the Year Award"

Eastside fire & Rescue

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EASTSIDE FIRE & RESCUE
 
Proudly Serving – Carnation, Issaquah, North Bend, Sammamish, Preston, May Valley, Tiger Mt. and Wilderness Rim 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 1, 2012                                                   PAGE:  1  OF  1
CONTACT:   Bud Backer – Deputy Chief                                            PHONE:  (425) 313-3200
 
 
Fire Chief Lee Soptich Receives The “fire chief of the year award”
 
Issaquah, WA – On Thursday, May 24, 2012, Fire Chief Lee A. Soptich with Eastside Fire & Rescue was honored during the annual Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) banquet receiving the prestigious “Chief Dan Packer - Fire Chief of the Year Award.”  Chief Soptich was nominated by Agency members and surrounding department fire chiefs.  The Chief Dan Packer - Fire Chief of the Year Award is presented each year to the leader who contributes to their respective department and community in an exemplary way.  Each nominee must meet the following criteria:
 
Emulate Fire Chief Dan Packer’s strong leadership characteristics of loyalty, determination, strength in action and relationships
Professional performance consistent with the WFC Code of Ethics
Extended courtesy and respect to community, fellow employees and members of the WFC
Exceptional performance and accomplishments
Contributed significantly to the safe and effective operations of the Fire Service as a member of the WFC
Contributed above and beyond the normal call of duty
 
Chief Soptich has dedicated his life to the fire service with a background that spans 37 years beginning in 1975, when he was a volunteer firefighter for the Selah Fire Department.  In 1979, he was hired as a firefighter with Yakima Fire, and through his career has held the position of Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and as Fire Chief, for King County Fire District 35 (Carnation), King County Fire District 10, and Eastside Fire & Rescue. 
 
In 2010, Chief Soptich served for two years as the President of the King County Fire Chiefs Association, renewing the interest and participation of many of the fire chiefs in King County.  “Chief Soptich’s sense of humor and self-deprecating manner is disarming because he can laugh at himself and make you feel at ease while encouraging you to become involved,” says Deputy Chief Jeff Jensen with the Tacoma Fire Department. 
 
During his last year as President for the Association, he developed a good working relationship with the King County Executive and County Council to address issues concerning the fire service.  He also built better communication with counterparts in Pierce and Snohomish County.
 
Over the years, Chief Soptich has developed several partnerships with many organizations locally and throughout the state.  He is a leader in setting ethical standards, setting a strong example to others.  His vision and leadership has led and contributed to an increased level of public and firefighter safety here in his own community and throughout the county and state.
 
(East Pierce Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Dan Packer died July 26, 2008, in a wildfire in northern California.  He was recognized as a leader for the firefighters community on a local and state level.)
 
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