City Manager Michael J. Beck today announced the appointment of Bertral “Bert” Washington as the new Chief for the Pasadena Fire Department. Chief Washington is expected to assume his new duties effective Dec. 15, 2014.
Chief Washington comes from the Clark County Fire Department in Nevada, where he has been Fire Chief since November 2010. Clark County serves a diverse metropolitan community of about 900,000 residents, including the unincorporated areas around Las Vegas and one of the nation’s busiest airports. Prior to serving as Clark County’s Fire Chief, he worked for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue moving through the ranks as a firefighter, paramedic, training officer, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief.
“Chief Washington’s collaborative leadership style, his experience leading a complex organization and professional training made him the top choice,” City Manager Michael J. Beck said. “Our selection process allowed us to look at many outstanding candidates from across the country and Chief Washington clearly stood out as the best match to lead the Pasadena Fire Department.”
Chief Washington said returning to Southern California and working for Pasadena “is a dream come true for my family and me.”
“I am honored to become part of the City of Pasadena family, one of the most esteemed cities in the nation. I look forward to serving all of the residents, businesses and visitors with the highly regarded men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department and working with the community wherever we can to enhance our City in a variety of ways,” Chief Washington said.
Chief Washington has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in English from Howard University and an associate’s degree in fire science management from the College of Southern Nevada. He is married to Cheri Washington and has a son, Chandler, 13, and a daughter, Blaire, 11.
The Fire Chief’s top salary is about $228,000 per year, according to information posted on the City’s website. Contract terms will be finalized prior to the onset of his formal duties.
Chief Washington replaces Fire Chief Calvin E. Wells, who joined the Pasadena Fire Department in 1979 and has served in numerous positions during his distinguished, 35-year fire service career. Chief Wells retires at the end of 2014.
