Public Safety

Tom Huntington Named Interim Yakima Fire Chief

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

2 min read

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Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker appointed Tom Huntington as interim fire chief on July 6, 2026, following the retirement of Aaron Markham at the end of June. Huntington, a senior partner with The Referent Group, began his role Monday.

Huntington, who has experience in leadership development training, replaces Markham, who retired after serving as chief. The city did not specify a timeline for a permanent appointment.

The Yakima Fire Department serves about 90,000 residents. Huntington’s appointment ensures continuity in emergency response leadership during the search for a permanent chief.

📄 Source: City of Yakima — https://www.yakimawa.gov/media/news/

Source receipts7 of 11 claims supported · 64%

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Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker appointed Tom Huntington as interim fire chief“Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker has appointed Tom Huntington to be the interim Yakima fire chief following the retirement of Aaron Markham at the end of last month.”
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The appointment was on July 6, 2026“Huntington’s first day on the job was today, Monday, July 6th.”
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Tom Huntington is a senior partner with The Referent Group“Huntington is a senior partner, teacher, and coach with The Referent Group, a company that provides leadership development training to the public and private sectors.”
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Tom Huntington began his role Monday“Huntington’s first day on the job was today, Monday, July 6th.”
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Tom Huntington replaces Aaron Markham“Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker has appointed Tom Huntington to be the interim Yakima fire chief following the retirement of Aaron Markham at the end of last month.”
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Aaron Markham retired after serving as chief“Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker has appointed Tom Huntington to be the interim Yakima fire chief following the retirement of Aaron Markham at the end of last month.”
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The retirement of Aaron Markham occurred at the end of June“Huntington’s first day on the job was today, Monday, July 6th. Huntington is a senior partner, teacher, and coach with The Referent Group, a company that provides leadership development training to the public and private sectors. Source Source: https://www.yakimawa.gov/media/news/tom-huntington-named-interim-yakima-fire-chief/”
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The city did not specify a timeline for a permanent appointmentNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The Yakima Fire Department serves about 90,000 residentsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Tom Huntington’s appointment ensures continuity in emergency response leadershipNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The search for a permanent chief is ongoingNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.