PORT LUDLOW — Jefferson County Fire District No. 3 commissioners, with many words of support and appreciation, unanimously accepted Port Ludlow Fire Chief Wayne Kier Sr.’s resignation on Wednesday.
After eight years, Kier is leaving Fire District No. 3 to accept an assistant chief position with North Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Poulsbo.
“It’s with regret, but with the board’s full support for his future career, we accept this resignation,” said Board Chairman Eugene Carmody.
“Best of wishes, Wayne.”
After a 10-day decision-making period, Kier, 56, said he decided to accept the training officer position in Kitsap.
He plans to continue living in Port Ludlow, but will drive across the Hood Canal Bridge to train up to 60 firefighters in his new position.
“The offered position will primarily encompass my fire service passion, training, and officer development,” Kier wrote in his resignation letter.
“The new assignment will provide me with meaningful and refreshing work, a career promotion, and a significant financial incentive, especially in the calculation of retirement benefits in the future.”
As an assistant chief in Kitsap, Kier will make $97,000 a year.
During the last year as a Port Ludlow chief, Kier’s salary was $78,000.
