South King Fire Chief Dave Van Valkenburg’s notice of retirement was announced at an SKF commissioner meeting the day before his paid administrative leave was set to end, and Deputy Chief Lisa Defenbaugh was taken off administrative leave following an independent investigation that began on Dec. 5.
On Jan. 8, at a South King Fire board of commissioners meeting, the board announced that the district had received a letter from Van Valkenburg announcing that he would like to retire on Feb. 1, 2025. Subsequently, the board moved to accept the retirement notice and said he would remain in a paid status through Jan. 31. The motion was seconded, and all present members voted in favor.
On Jan. 6, after an executive session, the commission moved that Defenbaugh be taken off paid administrative leave. It was then announced that Defenbaugh would return to work at 7 a.m. Jan. 9.
According to communications officer Brad Chaney, after a unanimous vote, Van Valkenburg was placed on leave during the Dec. 4 board meeting. Defenbaugh was then placed on administrative leave the next day. However, Chaney said the reasons why they were placed on leave were part of separate and independent investigations.
Chaney said South King Fire has a long-standing and trusted relationship with the community and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Other action
After a motion and a unanimous vote in favor, the board extended Kevin Crossen’s role as acting fire chief over the operations of the division of South King Fire while working under the direction of executive director Joe Ganem. Ganem will retain sole authority to execute contracts on behalf of South King Fire and administer discipline within the organization.
A motion to announce an interim chief position and solicitation of letters of interest was then unanimously approved.
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