Mayor appoints Tommy Smith as new fire chief

Published 4:21 pm Wednesday, August 7, 2013

City of Redmond Mayor John Marchione has announced the appointment of Tommy Smith as the new Redmond Fire Department chief, pending City Council confirmation.

Smith currently serves as the interim fire chief for the Colorado Springs Fire Department in Colorado Springs, Colo. and has served that city for 22 years in various capacities including firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and interim chief.

“The City of Redmond is very fortunate to have found a candidate such as Chief Tommy Smith,” said Marchione. “He brings a tremendous perspective to the role as chief. Additionally, he will add another key dimension as a member of my leadership team. Chief Smith’s extensive experience at every level makes him the ideal candidate.”

Redmond Police Chief Ron Gibson also came from the City of Colorado Springs before he was hired at Redmond and said he and Smith crossed paths from time to time professionally.

“He has a great reputation both inside and outside of the Colorado Springs Fire Department,” said Gibson, who has also been serving as interim fire chief since former Fire Chief Kevin Donnelly retired in January.

Gibson said Smith contacted him prior to applying for the fire chief position at Redmond to ask questions about the city and the job, adding that the mayor and other members of the selection panel were aware of his and Smith’s shared history.

“I don’t think it matters that he is from Colorado as much as the fact the he brings a great deal of experience, knowledge and leadership to the City of Redmond,” Gibson said. “I look forward to working with Chief Smith as a partner in the delivery of public safety services to the residents of Redmond.”

Smith is a graduate of Colorado Christian University with a degree in organization management. He is a member of numerous professional associations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Colorado State Training Officers Association. In addition, Smith has received numerous citations, awards and honors throughout his career.

Marchione added, “Our interview and background research demonstrated that Chief Smith exemplifies our city values of accountability, integrity and customer service. The members of the Colorado Springs Fire Department spoke highly of Chief Smith’s leadership skills, particularly during the Waldo Canyon Fire. His combination of experience, values and leadership make him the ideal person to serve as Redmond’s next fire chief.”