A big thank you to Timothy Key for standing as interim fire chief while we searched for a replacement. This has been a long and winding road for the city,
that’s for sure. Let’s all say hello and welcome to Everett’s new Fire Chief. Details below, provided by the City of Everett.
Mayor Cassie Franklin has selected Dave DeMarco to serve as Everett Fire Chief, following a national search. DeMarco is currently interim assistant
chief of operations with the Everett Fire Department.
“I have had the privilege of working with Dave over the past several months and I have been impressed by his strategic vision for Everett Fire, his
innovative approach to complex issues, and his deep commitment to the department and this community,” said Franklin. “We had a very strong field
of candidates, and Dave’s intellect and proven leadership abilities set him apart and really impressed our panelists.”
DeMarco joined Everett Fire in as a firefighter-EMT in 1994, after starting his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Mercer Island Fire Department
in 1991. He has risen through the ranks of the fire department and, in addition to his responsibilities as interim assistant chief, currently serves
as acting division chief and acting battalion chief. DeMarco was an elected fire commissioner in Marysville from 2004 to 2016.
“It is an honor to serve the Everett Fire Department and the City of Everett as their fire chief,” said DeMarco. “My role will be to support the great
men and women of this historic department while they support the needs of our community.”
Throughout his career DeMarco has continued to pursue opportunities to further his education and training. In 2016, he earned his Master of Arts degree
from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University.
DeMarco completed the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in 2013.
“The fire service has taken me places I would never have guessed, and I am very thankful for the journey,” said DeMarco. “I humbly thank my family
and loved ones for their enduring support and understanding of this life of public service. I’m excited to join Mayor Franklin and her City team
to work through the many complex challenges we collectively face.”
Twenty-one candidates applied for the fire chief position, and Franklin assembled a panel of outside experts and City and fire department team members
to interview the finalists.
As chief, DeMarco will oversee more than 150 firefighters and paramedics, as well as administrative and support staff. He will begin his new role in
June.
“Thank you to Chief Tim Key and other Everett Fire team members who have stepped up to help lead the department during this transitional time,” Franklin
said. Key has served as interim chief since May 2017.
