The Northshore Fire Department Board of Commissioners unanimously named Jim Torpin to the position of Fire Chief on Jan. 15.

Torpin joined the Northshore Fire Department as a firefighter in 1993. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1998, served as President of Northshore Firefighters union Local 2459 from 1997-2003, was promoted to Fire Prevention Division Chief in January 2005, and Deputy Chief of Operations in November 2005. Since Chief Tom Weathers’ retirement in December 2011, Torpin has filled the role of Acting Fire Chief.

“The Board made this decision in light of the leadership and job performance shown by Chief Torpin,” said Fire Commissioner Eric Adman. “He has contributed to a very good working relationship between the Board and department administration, and to keeping the department operating at a high level within a reduced budget.”

Torpin grew up in the area and graduated from Juanita High School. He has been married to his wife Terri for 27 years and has two adult children.

“The Department continues to explore options for efficiently providing high quality services, including cooperative efforts with neighboring fire departments,” said Adman. “Chief Torpin has demonstrated his support for regional collaboration and will play an integral role as we evaluate our partnership options and opportunities. The Board feels he is clearly the best person to provide continuing leadership to the Northshore Fire Department.”

IAFF Local 2459 President, Jim Harvey, also provided support of the appointment: “Local 2459 believes that Chief Torpin is well suited to lead the Northshore Fire Department in regionalization efforts, while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility and continuing to display sound, reasonable judgment.”

A formal badge-pinning ceremony will be conducted on January 29, 2013, 4 p.m., at the Northshore Fire Department headquarters station, 7220 N.E. 181 St. in Kenmore.