Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien of Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (SRFR) has announced his retirement effective July 15, 2025, after 34 years of service as a firefighter. Chief O’Brien began his career in 1991 with the Auburn Fire Dept., now Valley Regional Fire Authority. In 2012 he served as the Fire Chief for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue and joined Lake Stevens Fire in 2015. Following the merger of Lake Stevens Fire and Fire District 7 in 2020, O’Brien became the Chief of the newly formed SRFR that serves Lake Stevens, Monroe, Clearview, Maltby and other unincorporated areas of Snohomish County.
Firefighting is an O’Brien family legacy. Chief O’Brien followed in the footsteps of his great uncle Paul O’Brien and uncle Pat O’Brien who both served with Seattle Fire. Two of Chief O’Brien’s sons are firefighters, Keenan with Marysville Fire District and Daniel with South County Fire.
Reflecting on his career, O’Brien said “I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with incredibly great people in such a meaningful profession that helps others.” The Board of Fire Commissioners has retained GMP Consultants to lead the search for SRFR’s next Fire Chief.
