Kent Names New Fire Chief

A veteran of the fire service, Dave Manthey will take over as chief of the Kent Fire Department.

Manthey, who's spent 33 years with the department, was sworn in as chief Wednesday at Kent City Council.

He takes over for former chief James Williams, who retired in August due to health concerns.

After Kent Safety Director William Lillich swore in the new chief Manthey thanked city leaders for taking a vote of confidence in him and Williams for his years of service as chief.

"In my short time in this position I’ve worked with some phenomenal people, and this city is very lucky to have the group of people leading it that they do," Manthey said.

Manthey scored the highest in the civil service test for the chief's position and accepted the job this week.

Kent City Manager Dave Ruller said the city's fellow top administrators were happy to welcome someone with Manthey's experience to the top job at the fire department.

"We believe he’s the right person at the right time to lead the Kent Fire Department," Ruller said. "He’s a great combination of being a professional, but he maintains a sense of humor."