Redding Fire Department has recruited a new Deputy Fire Chief out of Washington State. The position has been vacant since Cullen Kreider was promoted to Acting Chief following the unexpected death of chief Gerry Grey on July 2nd of last year. The chief position was made permanent for Kreider last November. The new Deputy Chief of Operations is Jay Sumerlin. He comes from West Pierce Fire and Rescue in Washington, where he was Battalion Chief of Training. He has a strong background in EMS, water rescue, dive rescue and hazardous materials. He’ll serve as liaison to SHASCOM and the department’s Safety and Infection Control Officer. He started August 19th.