SPOKANE, Wash. – Julie O’Berg, the first woman to lead the Spokane Fire Department, has officially retired. Her farewell took place during a city council meeting.

O’Berg had initially planned to retire last year, but Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown persuaded her to stay for an additional year. Before her time in Spokane, O’Berg spent 28 years with the Overland Park Fire Department in Kansas, where she rose through the ranks from firefighter to battalion chief.

Reflecting on her career, O’Berg expressed mixed feelings about her departure.

“While I am sad, of course, to leave my post and my fellow firefighters, I am proud to have served with Spokane Fire for the time that I did,” O’Berg said.

Oberg’s impact on the community and her friendly nature were acknowledged by those who knew her. Her re

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