Wood to be Walla Walla’s next fire chief

By Dan Thesman on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The city of Walla Walla is announcing the promotion of Eric Wood to chief of the Walla Walla Fire Department. He will officially begin his new role on Feb. 3, following the retirement of current Chief Fred “John” Knowles.

Wood was hired in 2004 as a firefighter/paramedic and rose through the ranks to his current role as deputy chief of operations. As chief, Wood will lead the 55-member department, including fire and emergency services response.

“I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” Wood said. “With Chief Knowles’ departure, I recognize that I have big shoes to fill, as he has done an outstanding job leading this organization and setting us up for a promising future. I have received tremendous support from other directors and employees across various city departments, and I am excited to embark on this next chapter.”

Knowles has led the department since April 2023 and began his career with WWFD in January 1993.

“I am thankful for those who have given me the opportunities and thankful for those that supported those opportunities along the way,” Knowles said. “I look forward to being a grandparent, as I’m expecting my first very soon.”

Photo of Eric Wood via city of Walla Walla