Woodinville Fire & Rescue in Management Flux Again

Woodinville Fire & Rescue has had trouble keeping fire chiefs in recent years, and almost eight months since the previous chief departed, the job is no closer to being filled. informed the board of commissioners last week that he did not want the job permanently.

 “When I accepted the position of interim fire chief of Woodinville Fire & Rescue last August, I did so out of a sense of duty but not without reservations,” Chubb wrote in an email to Woodinville Patch. “At the February 21 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners, I informed the board that I do not intend to seek permanent appointment to the position of fire chief and CEO.

The chief’s seat became vacant when then Chief I. David Daniels and the district entered into a . Daniels’ 19-month tenure in Woodinville was rocky almost from the start, culminating July 19 when International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2950 announced a  in the chief.

“Over the past six months, it has become clear to me that the District’s fire commissioners and employees face some very difficult decisions,” Chubb added. “I have not succeeded in bringing these issues into sharp focus or bringing everyone together to address them constructively.”

Chubb said he is prepared to continue serving the District in an interim capacity and will support the Board in its efforts to chart a new course. “I remain committed to serving the citizens of the fire district, and look forward to returning to my previous role as deputy fire chief.”

In an email to Patch, Tony Woods, president of the district’s firefighters union wrote, "Local 2950 feels Interim Chief Chubb’s request to step back to his previous role of Deputy Chief has created an opportunity for the Board of Fire Commissioners to evaluate how they want to address a number of critical issues within the organization. The Local is working with the Board of Fire Commissioners, Interim Chief Chubb, the Executive team, and labor leaders to explore alternative and creative answers to maintain and improve the ability to administer and deliver emergency services to our community."

Daniels' predecessor, Dennis Johnson, was fired four years into his contract with the district. He filed a wrongful termination suit against the district that is still pending. The reason for his firing has not been made public.

Board president Tim Osgood did not return Patch’s call for a statement before deadline. We will post the board of commissioners’ response when it is received.