Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley has announced his retirement after 32 years working for the Tumwater Fire Department.
“Chief Brian Hurley recently let us know that he intends to retire, and while I am incredibly happy for Brian, this is a big loss for the City of Tumwater,” said Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff. “Brian has helped build a Fire Department culture grounded in service, kindness, and a genuine commitment to taking care of people. That matters deeply to me, and it matters to our community.”
“Brian leads with heart. He cares about his people, he cares about this community, and he has built a team that reflects those same values. He leaves the Tumwater Fire Department in an incredibly strong place, with talented, motivated and deeply caring professionals who are ready to continue that work. We are going to miss him.”
Hurley’s official retirement date is March 31, 2027.
Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Crimmins will be promoted to fill the chief role effective April 1, 2027.
While at Tumwater, Hurley served as a firefighter/paramedic, fire lieutenant, fire captain, and assistant fire chief before promotion to fire chief in August 2021.
As fire chief, Hurley established full-time battalion chief positions, implemented an FDCARES program as well as the Tumwater Mobile Outreach team for crisis response.
Most recently he guided the process of staffing a second paramedic unit in Tumwater in partnership with Thurston County Medic One.
His previous experience included roles as an educator and cardiac researcher. Hurley earned a Ph.D. in Bioengineering plus a degree in physics as well as advanced training as a paramedic.
Hurley has developed relationships throughout the city and Thurston County and is proud of the partnerships that have enhanced emergency services delivery in our community. His focus on innovation, training, and supporting a positive workplace culture have contributed to a continuing tradition of service excellence.
The 62-person team at the Tumwater Fire Department responded to 6,320 fire and emergency medical incidents in 2025.
Shawn Crimmins is working with Hurley to ensure a seamless transition in March.
Crimmins is being promoted from deputy fire chief, a position he has held since November 2021.
His previous roles include paramedic firefighter, paramedic lieutenant and captain-medical services officer while in Tumwater.
