Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue officially welcomed a new deputy chief on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Deputy Chief Charlie Smith was sworn in at the regular meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners, according to a recent press release.

Smith was selected after a nationwide recruitment and assessment process.

Prior to joining the fire district, Smith served as Battalion Chief with the Yuma, Ariz. Fire Department where he managed the Emergency Medical Services Division, according to the release.

He began his fire service career as a volunteer in Southern Oregon. While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Smith continued working in fire services by joining the force in Yuma, Ariz. as a reserve firefighter.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Smith joined the Yuma Fire Department as a full-time firefighter and progressed to his current position as battalion chief managing the Emergency Medical Services Division, according to the press release.

Smith has been a certified paramedic for over 20 years.

The release added that he and his wife Tammy have three daughters, two of whom live in Arizona and one who will be moving to Whidbey with her parents.