PLACEMENT SPOTLIGHT: Pasadena Appoints Bertral Washington New Fire Chief

Chief Bertral Washington, Fire Chief, City of Pasadena

We are honored to have assisted the City of Pasadena with the appointment of its new Fire Chief, Bertral “Bert” Washington, announced this afternoon. “I’ve been striving to recruit Chief Washington back to his California roots for years, so this placement is exceptionally gratifying,” said Teri Black, executive recruiter and President/CEO of TB&Co., earlier this afternoon. Chief Washington will assume his new duties effective Dec. 15, 2014.

Chief Washington’s service in fire and rescue is extensive, including firefighter, paramedic, training officer, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief. Most recently, Chief Washington was Fire Chief of Clark County Fire Department in Nevada, Chief Washington served a diverse metropolitan community of about 900,000 residents, including the unincorporated areas around Las Vegas and one of the nation’s busiest airports.

“Chief Washington’s collaborative leadership style, his experience leading a complex organization and professional training made him the top choice,” City Manager Michael J. Beck said.  “Our selection process allowed us to look at many outstanding candidates from across the country and Chief Washington clearly stood out as the best match to lead the Pasadena Fire Department.”

“I am honored to become part of the City of Pasadena family, one of the most esteemed cities in the nation.  I look forward to serving all of the residents, businesses and visitors with the highly regarded men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department and working with the community wherever we can to enhance our City in a variety of ways,” Chief Washington said.

Chief Washington has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in English from Howard University.