John Knowles is named fire chief

By Terry Murry on Monday, April 17th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The city of Walla Walla is promoting Deputy Fire Chief John Knowles to be the city’s next fire chief. Knowles will officially begin his new role April 24 following the retirement of current fire chief Bob Yancey.

Knowles began his career with the Walla Walla Fire Department in 1992 and has since moved through the ranks.

“Working for the city of Walla Walla has been an absolutely amazing journey,” Knowles said. “The relationships that I have with all of the amazing people throughout the city is, hands down, the best part of what I do.”

Knowles led the construction of the fire drill tower project that was completed in 2022, in partnership with the College Place Fire Department and Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4.

He will lead the 51-member Walla Walla Fire Department, including fire and emergency medical services responders.