The city of Buckley didn’t have to look far to find its new fire chief, promoting Eric Skogen from the No. 2 job to the fire department’s top post.

The fire chief position became available following the retirement of Alan Predmore, who spent most of his working life in a Buckley uniform. Following 13 years as a city police officer he switched to the fire/EMT operation and led the department for 23 years.

Skogen is a local product, having graduated from White River High School. His professional career was launched when he became a volunteer firefighter with the Buckley department in 2002. He eventually joined South Pierce Fire and Rescue, advancing to the rank of assistant chief. In 2015 he was named assistant chief in Buckley.

He took the reins as Buckley fire chief on Aug. 1.

In a memo to members of the Buckley City Council, City Administrator Paul Weed explained that he and Mayor Pat Johnson involved “several community members and internal stakeholders” in the decision.

“It became very apparent that stakeholders saw Eric as the perfect fit to step up into this role and lead our fire department moving forward,” Weed wrote. “His dedication to serving our communities and the citizens of Buckley has always been on the forefront of his professional journey.”

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR POLICE CHIEF

One post filled and one to go – that’s the situation in Buckley.

With the top job in the fire department filled, city leaders can focus solely on finding a new chief to lead the police force. The opening came when Jim Arsanto retired following a long career.

Weed reported last week that the city remains in the “active recruitment” phase, but all applications are due to Monday, Aug. 17. A search committee will whittle the field and it’s expected that the community will have a chance to participate after finalists are named.

Weed said the goal is to have a new police chief in place by October.