Redmond City Council Approves New Fire Chief

REDMOND, WA — The Redmond City Council on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Adrian Sheppard to serve as the city's new fire chief. Sheppard will take the helm of the Redmond Fire Department following the departure of interim chief Don Horton in September.

According to the city, Sheppard has 24 years of experience in firefighting and is also a retired Air Force officer. He began his fire career in Oakland, and most recently served as fire chief in Richmond, Calif.

"Chief Sheppard brings extensive fire service knowledge, public safety background, professional expertise, and leadership skills to his new role at the City of Redmond," Mayor Angela Birney said. "I am confident Sheppard's proven track record and many successes will carry over to his work at the City and prove to be an asset to our community."

Sheppard's other credentials include a bachelor's degree in aeronautics, a master's degree in disaster preparedness and a master's degree in security studies.

"I am humbled to be chosen to serve as Redmond's next Fire Chief," Sheppard wrote in a statement. "The Redmond Fire Department has strong community relationships. I look forward to working closely with the Redmond Fire Department members and the City's leadership team to continue the commitment to providing excellent service to the Redmond community."

Sheppard is scheduled to begin his new role Monday, Feb. 1.