City appoints Thomas Hatley as new fire chief
- Jasz Garrett
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Pacific Northwest firefighter succeeds Chief Rich Etheridge following his retirement after he led the department for more than 15 years
By Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
Thomas Hatley will begin his role as Juneau’s new fire chief on Feb. 9, the city announced Friday.
Hatley has more than three decades of fire service leadership, with experience across multiple agencies in the Northwest, according to a press release issued by the City and Borough of Juneau.
His career includes service as deputy fire chief, fire chief, assistant chief/fire marshal, division chief and captain.
Most recently, Hatley was the deputy fire chief for the Spokane Valley Fire Department, where he oversaw major operational divisions, guided strategic planning and accreditation efforts, managed multimillion-dollar capital projects and led interagency coordination initiatives.
In December, Hatley was one of two finalists for the position.
During a public presentation, he highlighted the four principles he said are needed when building a fire and EMS organization that is “trusted, resilient and ready to serve Juneau today and into this decade”: operational excellence, strong EMS outcomes, a prepared workforce, and transparent leadership.
“Our people are our most critical resource,” he said. “Preparation comes through realistic training, leadership development and attention to safety, and supporting both career and volunteer members so they can perform at their best.”
The firefighters’ union and CBJ have been at a deadlock in contract negotiations since last fall. Negotiations began in February of 2025.
Hatley said in a prepared statement Friday he is honored to join CCFR. He succeeds Fire Chief Rich Etheridge, who retired on Dec. 31, 2025, after more than 27 years of public safety service. Etheridge led the department for more than 15 years.
“I am thankful for the leadership of retiring Fire Chief Rich Etheridge and the solid foundation he leaves behind,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the Juneau community, listening to what matters most to residents, and being present where the fire department can make a difference. Juneau’s geography, weather, and isolation make teamwork and preparation essential, and I am excited to work alongside our firefighters, city leadership, and community partners to keep Juneau a safe place to live and work.”
Cindy Carte, the city’s human resources manager, became interim fire chief on Jan. 1. She is leading the department until Hatley’s arrival next month.
• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.
