Olympia firefighters and paramedics now have a wider path to lieutenant after the city's Civil Service Commission voted Tuesday to drop a certification prerequisite that had narrowed the candidate pool.

The commission also announced two police promotions at its Tuesday, July 28 meeting: Paul Frailey will become Deputy Chief and Sean O'Brien will become Police Lieutenant, both effective Saturday, August 1.

Fire classification overhaul

The commission unanimously approved changes to the Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic Lieutenant job classifications that allow candidates to complete their Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) certification after being appointed rather than before applying. Previously, only firefighters who had already finished the certification could seek the promotion.

Interim Fire Chief Hillory Flowers told the commission the change reflects how fire departments across the country now handle the credential. "This is a national industry standard," Flowers said.

Flowers added that labor groups support the changes and that current employees are aware of the revisions and eager to pursue additional fire training.

Commissioner Reiko Callner thanked the department for "proactive thinking," saying the changes will provide structure and clearer expectations.

The Paramedic Lieutenant changes also align that role's duties with Fire Lieutenant duties, enabling Paramedic Lieutenants to perform Fire Lieutenant work. Flowers described the revisions as a "first pass" and told the commission the department will likely submit additional Paramedic Lieutenant classification changes in the first quarter of 2027, tied to proposed changes to the Medic One contract.

Police command changes

Frailey's promotion to Deputy Chief was announced by Chief Examiner Telli Norton during the meeting.

Ray Brady, who currently holds the Deputy Chief title, was present Tuesday alongside Police Chief Shelby Parker. The minutes do not specify whether Frailey fills a new position or an expanded command structure.

O'Brien was removed from the Police Lieutenant hiring register upon his promotion.

The commission also approved two new police officer registers: one for entry-level candidates and one for lateral hires. The sole active lateral candidate is a Washington state Fish and Wildlife officer.

What's next

The next anticipated Civil Service Commission action on fire classifications is in early 2027. Commission Chair Linda Villegas Bremer and Commissioner Callner were the two voting members present Tuesday. All items passed unanimously in 23 minutes.