Bobby manages over 320 employees, a $35 million annual budget, and 14 Fire Stations. Spokane Fire's firefighters respond to a variety of emergencies throughout the City, including residential, commercial building, and brush fires; calls for emergency medical assistance; traffic accidents; and more.

Background: Bobby became Spokane's Fire Chief in 1988 and since that time the department has been successful in the passage of two major fire bond issues that allowed for the modernization of the City's 14 fire stations and much of its apparatus and equipment. Additionally, the department has successfully renewed its EMS levy, been a partner in combining dispatch services with all Spokane County fire agencies, and facilitated constructing and occupying a Countywide Combined Communications building that is home to 9-1-1 and all fire and law enforcement dispatch functions for Spokane County. Previously, Bobby served as Fire Chief for the Billings, Montana, Fire Department. Bobby has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety and an MBA from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of the IAFC, NFPA, WSAFC and many other related organizations. He has previously served as the President of the Western Fire Chiefs and Chairman of the Board of the International Fire Code Institute.