Valley Regional Fire Authority names Tim Day as fire chief
Published 2:40 pm Monday, June 29, 2026
Deputy Fire Chief Tim Day takes over as Valley Regional Fire Authority (VFRA) chief on July 1, replacing the retiring Brad Thompson.
Thompson expects a smooth transition with Day in charge.
“It has been my privilege to serve alongside Tim Day for many years and to learn from his character, leadership, and dedication to public service,” Thompson said.”There is no one better prepared to lead the Valley Regional Fire Authority into its next chapter.”
Day began working with the Auburn Fire Department in 1996, and since then has served as captain in 2002, battalion chief in 2009, and deputy chief in 2015, according to the VRFA’s June 29 press release.
Nancy Backus, Auburn mayor and chair of the VRFA Governance Board, her excitement in Day’s promotion, which the board approved in April.
“I have known Tim for many years, and what has always stood out to me is his calm presence and deep understanding of what public safety means at the community level,” she said. “He knows Auburn, he knows VRFA, and I believe he is exactly the right person to lead this organization into the future.”
“Day plans to lead with clarity of purpose, make data-driven decisions and invest in VRFA’s people,” according to a statement from the VRFA.
Day is prepared for his new role as fire chief with his many years of experience with the VRFA on various committees, contributions to grant-writing projects and academic background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in public administration, completed the executive fire officer program at the National Fire Academy, and is a graduate of the UW Foster School of Business Executive Leadership Academy, according to the press release.
“I believe the strongest organizations are those where employees understand not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it,” Day said. “By providing clear intent, we empower those closest to the work to make informed decisions that support our mission, vision, and values, and deliver the highest level of service to our community.”
