The chief of Clark County, Nevada’s fire department was named Thursday to head the Pasadena Fire Department.
Bertral “Bert” Washington, who has been in his current post since November 2010, is expected to assume his new position on Dec. 15, said Pasadena City Manager Michael J. Beck, who made the appointment.
In Clark County, Washington served a community of about 900,000 residents, including unincorporated areas around Las Vegas. Prior to becoming chief there, he served with Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, where he worked as firefighter, paramedic, training officer, captain, battalion chief and assistant chief, Beck said.
“Chief Washington’s collaborative leadership style, his experience leading a complex organization and professional training made him the top choice,” 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.”
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 and his wife Cheri have a 13-year-old son, Chandler, and an 11-year- old daughter, Blaire.
The top salary for fire chief in Pasadena is about $228,000, but the terms of Washington’s contract will be finalized prior to his first day on the job, according to Beck.
“I am honored to become part of the City of Pasadena family, one of the most esteemed cities in the nation,” Washington said. “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.”
Washington will replace Calvin E. Wells, who joined the Pasadena Fire Department in 1979 and will retire at the end of the year after a 35-year fire service career.
City spokesman William Boyer said Washington’s appointment follows a six- month recruitment process. Candidates were interviewed by panels consisting of community members and top city officials and subject to thorough background checks for security clearances, he said.
Beck kept the city council informed during the process, especially as the field of candidates was narrowed, Boyer said.
— City News Service