Richland Fire Chief Tom Huntington Honored with Dan Packer Fire Chief of the Year Award

Richland Fire and Emergency Services is proud to announce that Fire Chief Tom Huntington has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dan Packer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) Association. The honor was presented during the annual WFC Banquet held earlier this month.

The Dan Packer Award, named in memory of Fire Chief Dan Packer who lost his life in 2008 while assisting with wildfire operations in California, recognizes fire service leaders who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, leadership, and service to their communities. Recipients are selected based on their embodiment of Chief Packer’s legacy—marked by loyalty, strength in action, and commitment to collaborative service.

Chief Huntington, who marked 30 years of service with the City of Richland in 2024, has held every rank in the department before becoming Fire Chief in 2015. Over the last decade, his visionary leadership has driven regional partnerships, enhanced emergency response, and led transformational projects across the Tri-Cities region.

Among his recent accomplishments:

• Expansion of Service: Opened Richland’s sixth fire station to meet growing demand in the southern part of the city.
• Heart Safe Richland Initiative: In collaboration with Kadlec Regional Medical Center, the department earned American Heart Association recognition for advancing cardiac and stroke care through community CPR academies and AED installations.
• Regional Communications Leadership: Chief Huntington is leading the development of a $29 million bi-county 800 MHz radio system to modernize emergency communications across Benton and Franklin Counties, a project set for completion in 2026.
  
  

"Chief Huntington has consistently exemplified what it means to serve with strength, vision, and humility," said Michael C. Harris, Fire Chief for Franklin County Fire District #3, who submitted the award nomination. "He has made our region safer, better connected, and more resilient."

As part of this recognition, Chief Huntington’s name has been engraved on the WFC’s perpetual Dan Packer Award trophy, and he was presented with a commemorative plaque during the ceremony.

Reflecting on the honor, Chief Huntington shared that he was “truly humbled” and credited his team and community partners for their support. "This award is a reflection of the people I work alongside every day. I’m proud to share this recognition with all of them."

For more information about Richland Fire and Emergency Services, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us.