VIDEO: On Sunday, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue held a meet and greet at its Reno headquarters for the final five candidates in the race for the new chief. After months of considering applicants, the Washoe County Board of Fire Commissioners has whittled its shortlist down to five.
- Michael Despain, Redmond Fire Department Interim Chief (Washington)
- Richard Edwards, Stockton Fire Department Chief (California)
- Timothy Soule, Rural Metro Fire Department Central AZ Chief (Arizona)
- Loren Dale Way, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Interim Chief
- Walt W. White, Sparks Fire Department Fire Chief
“They’re all highly educated. We require certain certifications to make sure that folks understand how you manage a fire district because it’s different than being a fire chief in a city,” said Alexis Hill, Washoe County Commissioner for District 1 and member of the selection committee. The fire board commission will conduct one-hour interviews with each candidate on Monday and make their final decision later in the day.
Former Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charlie Moore came by his old stomping grounds to meet the candidates for himself, and said he’s hopeful for the organization’s future under new leadership. “I reflect back on when it was my turn 12 years ago and how stressful that is, but I have every confidence in the board to pick the right leader for the next few years for (Truckee Meadows),” Moore said.
