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Kirkland Fire Chief Kevin Nalder steps down, Sanford interim chief BY TJ MARTINELL tmartinell@kirklandreporter.com
A
fter being on extended family medical leave, Kirkland Fire Department Chief Kevin Nalder has decided to step down. Nalder, who has been on leave for two months, stepped down on Friday, according to Deputy City Manager Marilynne Beard.“I
am really proud of Kevin Nalder,” said Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen. “He saw us through some difficult times.” Walen cited Nalder’s involvement in the 2011 annexation and his implementation of a new Fire Strategic Plan. “With annexation he took on nine new firefighters and had received more since,” Walen said. “We just wish
him the best with his family Nixon, who also served as situation.” the fire commissioner of Joe Sanford, who Fire District 41. has been acting chief “And I expect that to since Nalder went on continue.” leave, was appointed Councilmeminterim fire chief on ber Dave Asher Aug. 8. expressed similar “Sanford has been support for Sanford. doing a great job as “I have full faith Kevin Nalder interim chief and that Joe will be a has a great relationgreat interim chief,” ship with union leadership,” he said. said Councilmember Toby Walen said that she has
BY MATT PHELPS
The annual Junior Softball World Series, a Little League International event, drew thousands to Kirkland’s Everest Park last week, including the nationally televised final on Saturday between Florida, of the Southeast region, and the Philippines, of the Asia-Pacific region, on ESPN. And while Florida dominated, winning the championship 9-2 and completed the tournament undefeated at 7-0, there were some surprises that came from this year’s competition. “Over all, it has gone very smooth,” said tournament director John Chadwick. “There was a big discrepancy between the top teams and the other teams this year on the field but it has been fun for all the players.”
Florida scored in double figures during all but two games and won each of its first four games by 10 runs or more, including two shutouts. In all, the World Series hosted 34 games from Aug. 2-8. One of the biggest additions this year was the Little League Challenger Division exhibition game. The Challenger teams are made up of young players with physical or intellectual challenges. Chadwick said that one of his organizers has a big part in developing the division in the Puget Sound area. “Little League is trying to give the Challenger Division more exposure and we thought it would be great to have them,” Chadwick said. “It was hugely popular. I saw people in the stands with tears in their eyes. It was a [ more SOFTBALL page 3 ]
out his career in 1985 as a firefighter in Utah. Before he went on leave, Nalder was involved in the city’s efforts to improve fire service in various neighborhoods as part of their Fire Strategic Plan, which included siting a new north end fire station and/or improving existing fire stations and operations. “He’s been tackling a great [ more FIRE page 5 ]
Chinchilla leads Henkens in City Council race, Kloba advances
Junior Softball World Series brings thousands to Kirkland mphelps@kirklandreporter.com
tremendous confidence in Sanford. “In my opinion, I think Joe should run the department,” Walen said. “He has the confidence of all the firefighters; he came up through the ranks and is very respected.” Nalder was appointed in 2009 when fire chief Jeff Blake retired. Previously, Nalder had been the deputy chief with the Salt Lake City Fire Department. He started
primary election.” “I believe the American Dream is alive and Kirkland Parks Board well in Kirkland – that if member Jason Chinchilla you’re willing to has taken a slim work hard you can 22-vote lead against accomplish great businessman Bill goals,” he added. “It Henkens in new also shows voters King County support my comElections results mitment to hold released Tuesday the line on property in the primary taxes, to protect our Jason Chinchilla for Kirkland City diverse neighborCouncil position hoods and to No. 2. As of the Reporter’s reduce government medWednesday morning deaddling by trusting residents line, Chinchilla has 1,767 to decide such questions as votes, or 16.81 percent ‘paper or plastic; shopping compared to 1,745 votes or bags. I plan to continue to 16.6 percent for Henkens. take my message Henkens held a to the voters and toslim lead on elecgether, we will build tion night, Aug. 4, Kirkland’s future.” but Chinchilla has While showing made gains with disappointment every release of new in the low voter vote totals by King turnout, Henkens County Elections. Bill Henkens said he is impressed In a press release with Chinchilla’s statement, Chinperformance in the chilla said “I appreciate the election and anticipates his support primary voters are opponent will come out giving me tonight and I’m on top. He also said that it hopeful that the ballots still shows Chinchilla’s age, 19, to be counted will make me is not a factor. one of the top two con[ more COUNCIL page 3 ] tenders to come thru the BY TJ MARTINELL
tmartinell@kirklandreporter.com
Philippines pitcher Alma Tauli delivers a strike to the plate during the semifinals of the Junior Softball World Series. MATT PHELPS, Kirkland Reporter
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