Lacey Fire District 3 (LFD3) began the year with a historic leadership shift, as Jennifer Schmidt took over as fire chief, becoming one of five women to hold the role across Washington state.
Schmidt’s appointment follows the exit of longtime Chief Steve Brooks, who led the district for 12 years, the district said in a press release on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Schmidt was sworn in as Lacey first woman fire chief on Jan. 2, during a Board of Fire Commissioners meeting attended by family, friends, mentors and district members
The district celebrated her new role with a ceremonial presentation of her helmet, badge and collar brass.
The fire district shared on its official page, “Please help us congratulate Fire Chief Jennifer Schmidt as she begins her new role. "
Schmidt served for 20 years at South Kitsap Fire District, where she held the rank of shift captain. She focused on union leadership and firefighter mental health initiatives, the fire district said.
After joining Lacey Fire District 3, Schmidt became the deputy chief of operations, overseeing 150 career first responders and managing the Training Division. Her responsibilities included the design and implementation of an in-house accredited fire academy.
She has also represented the district on various countywide committees and partner agency teams, the district said.
In her first statement as a new fire chief, Schmidt expressed her gratitude for the role.
“I am honored to serve as your new fire chief and lead this dedicated team of professionals,” she said. “With over 25 years of experience in the fire service, I am committed to providing our community the highest quality fire and emergency services.”
Schmidt emphasized the values she aims to uphold.
“We will foster a culture of compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication in all our interactions,” she added.
She also acknowledged the district’s rapid growth and the need to adapt to community demands.
The new fire chief outlined major priorities for the district:
The district aims to proactively prevent fires and enhance overall community safety through outreach programs, educational initiatives and targeted risk assessments.
Schmidt emphasized ensuring firefighters possess the skills and knowledge to serve the community's unique needs.
The district plans to maintain adequate staffing levels to meet growing demands by providing ongoing training for experienced firefighters and focused instruction for recruits.
Schmidt reinforced the district’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“We strive to build a department that reflects the diversity of our community and ensures equitable access to fire and emergency services for all," she said.
Meanwhile, Schmidt’s predecessor, Chief Steve Brooks, concluded his 12-year tenure as fire chief and 20 years of service at the fire district to take on a statewide role.
According to the district, his career in fire and emergency services spans nearly 34 years, beginning in Tennessee with the Oak Ridge Fire Department.
He also worked as a flight paramedic with AirEvac Lifeteam and taught in the Roane State Community College EMS program.
According to the fire district, Brooks joined Lacey Fire District 3 in 2005 as the Medical Services Division chief and took over as fire chief on 2012.
The district also credited Brooks’ leadership roles outside the fire district, including as president of the Thurston County Fire Chiefs for 12 years and immediate past president of the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association.
On his final day of service, Dec. 31, 2024, district members honored Brooks with a ceremonial send-off that included a traditional “tone-out.”
“His contributions to LFD3 and to this community are profound … and will be felt for many years. Please help us congratulate Chief Brooks and Lee as they begin a brand new chapter in their lives!,” the fire district said.
Chief Brooks will remain active in the fire service community as the new Washington State Fire Chiefs Association Executive Director.
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