CBJ Appoints Thomas Hatley as Fire Chief of Capital City Fire Rescue

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Hatley as the new Fire Chief for Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR). Chief Hatley's first official day in the role will be February 9.

"CBJ is excited to welcome Chief Hatley to our community and look forward to having his extensive and relevant experience available to our dedicated first responders and support staff," says CBJ Deputy City Manager, Robert Barr."

Chief Hatley brings more than 30 years of progressive fire service leadership to Juneau, with experience across multiple agencies in the Northwest, including Idaho and Washington. His career includes service as Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal, Division Chief, and Captain. Most recently, he served as 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.

"I am honored to join the City and Borough of Juneau and the dedicated professionals of Capital City Fire Rescue," shared Chief Hatley. "After more than three decades in the fire service, I have learned that the strongest departments are built on relationships, trust, and pride in serving the community. I am thankful for the leadership of retiring Fire Chief Rich Etheridge and the solid foundation he leaves behind. 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."

As fire chief, Hatley will serve as the administrative leader of CCFR, providing departmental leadership and guidance on emergency response and preparedness, fire prevention and community risk reduction, strategic planning, workforce development, interagency relations and community engagement.

Chief Hatley succeeds Fire Chief Rich Etheridge, who retired on December 31, 2025, after over 27 years of exemplary public safety service with CBJ and CCFR. Cindy Carte, CBJ HR Manager, stepped in as Acting Fire Chief on January 1 to provide steady leadership and continuity between Chief Etheridge's retirement and Chief Hatley's arrival on February 9.