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@TVFR
Since the formation of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in 1989, there have only been three fire chiefs.
On July 1, 2019, Chief Deric Weiss will become the fourth.
After 30 years in the fire service, Chief Mike Duyck will retire. In a traditional “Transfer of Command Ceremony,” the responsibilities of providing service to 11 cities and four counties — as well as providing guidance to 650 career and volunteer personnel — will be passed from Chief Duyck to Chief Weiss.
A PUBLIC SEND-OFF
An open house will be held for Chief Duyck at Station 51 (8935 SW Burnham Street, Tigard) on Thursday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a formal presentation at 11 a.m.
ABOUT CHIEF DUYCK
Chief Duyck joined TVF&R in 1995 and became fire chief in September 2010, after serving in all ranks of emergency services as well as fleet services, human resources, logistics, and emergency management.
Chief Duyck has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Business Administration and an Associate degree in Fire Science. He holds numerous certifications in emergency operations and is an Oregon-certified paramedic. Chief Duyck will continue working to make the fire service better by serving as the president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs) through 2020. He looks forward to spending a lot more time with his wife Ann and two daughters.
ABOUT CHIEF WEISS
Following a rigorous internal selection process, the Board of Directors tapped Assistant Chief Deric Weiss to take the helm of the District. Chief Weiss spent the beginning of 2019 working closely with Chief Duyck to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “This is an exciting time,” states Chief Weiss. “Having a change in command is a rare occurrence for our department. We’ve benefitted from having leaders who dedicated many years to this organization and the fire service. I have some big shoes to fill, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve.” It’s a role he never imagined would be an option in his career. Weiss volunteered and served as an intern before being hired by TVF&R as a firefighter in 1994. Since then, he served on the Hazardous Materials Team for several years and promoted through the ranks of apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, and assistant chief.
WHAT’S AHEAD
Strengthening relationships with community partners and exploring opportunities to work with other organizations to create safer communities are priorities for the new chief. In preparation for his new role, Chief Weiss has evaluated what the District can do differently to enhance the services TVF&R provides, starting with a reorganization of work groups and operations. “I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and getting to work,” notes Chief Weiss. “I plan to have a renewed focus on our people, and I will carry on Chief Duyck’s commitment to innovation.”