The Chehalis Fire Department officially swore in its newest captain during a badge-pinning ceremony at Monday’s Chehalis City Council meeting, as Jay Birley will take the place of the retired Robert Gebhart.
Birley has served in the department in various roles for nearly three decades, beginning his service in Chehalis in 1997 when he joined the organization as a volunteer. After serving in that role for nine years, he was hired as a full-time firefighter engineer in 2006 and has served in that position for 19 years.
Birley will take over for Gebhart, who stepped aside last month after 38 years with the department. Chief Adam Fulbright swore in the newest captain, who received his badge with the help of his father Steve Birley.
“During his tenure as a firefighter engineer, Birley has been extremely involved, highly involved in our training program, our tech rescue and swift water program. He was very instrumental in making that a countywide joint program,” Fulbright said. “He’s also been very much involved in the fire investigation unit and has served as a leader of that group for the last two years. With Birley’s institutional knowledge, his number of years of experience, his willingness to always step up and coach and mentor the staff that he’s working with and his willingness to take on new projects and leadership roles, Mr. Birley has certainly earned the promotion to the position of captain.”
