The Washington City Council affirmed the election results of the Washington Fire Department Tuesday. 

At the Fire Department’s December meeting, they voted to retain the current officers for 2026, with one exception: the position of 1st Assistant Chief. An election was held for this role, and Chris Gipple has been selected as the new 1st Assistant Chief. Gripple brings 21 years of firefighting experience, including two years with the Washington Fire Department. The position was previously held by Bill Hartsock. 

The 2026 fire department officers are Fire Chief Brendan DeLong, 1st Assistant Fire Chief Gipple, 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Jim Williams, and Secretary/Treasurer Philip Morris.