In a letter of resignation submitted Monday, longtime Mercer Island Fire Chief Chris Tubbs announced his decision to assume the position of deputy chief/fire chief of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District in Sausalito, Calif., effective Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Chief Tubbs was recruited for the position and accepted the opportunity after extensive personal deliberation. In the coming days, City Manager Noel Treat will announce plans to fill the position. “We will certainly miss having Chris’s dedication and deep knowledge of public safety at the helm. We wish him all the best in his great new opportunity,” said Treat.
In a prepared statement, Chief Tubbs acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the transition. Highly respected among his peers at the Mercer Island Fire Department for his guidance, Tubbs’ new position will allow him to be closer to his grandchildren in Sacramento. He anticipates retiring in California.
“It has been a true privilege working for two excellent city managers and with an incredible staff,” said Tubbs. “I will cherish the friendships and connections to this community that I have developed over these many years, and know the Mercer Island Fire Department will always be a large part of my life. I am honored to have served here.”
Chief Tubbs was raised on Mercer Island. He began working for the fire department in 1978 while still a senior at Mercer Island High School, eventually being hired as a full-time firefighter in 1982. He has led the fire department as chief for six-and-a-half years.