Billings, Montana – New chief with a lot of experience has been named in the Billings Fire Department.
Senior Assistant Fire Chief Pepper Valdez will be promoted to chief at the end of the month. He comes as a replacement to the current Chief Bill Rash who will retire.
“Pepper’s people-focused leadership approach and experience for the past 22 years with Billings Fire Department make him an ideal fit as the City’s next Fire Chief. Under his leadership, I look forward to seeing our Fire department team continue to excel in providing excellent service to our community,” City Administrator Chris Kukulski says.
Pepper Valdez became a part of the Billings Fire Department in 1999. Currently he is in charge of support staff, fire departments prevention and 911 communications center.
Valdez said that he is ready for the next role.
“I’m excited. I’m humbled and honored to be able to lead this talented organization, this is home for me. This is my community and I think the city of Billings deserves the best. And I think we can provide that forum, and I think we can also raise that level of service we can always tweak and get better.”
