Fire Chief

Chief “Jay” Christian became Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s Fire Chief on July 1, 2022, after being promoted from Assistant Chief. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Chief Christian began his career in the US Coast Guard in 1993, serving five years as a Damage Controlman Second Class.

In April 2000, Chief Christian joined Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT and steadily climbed the ranks, becoming Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief. As a company officer, he served as the Training Lieutenant and participated in special operations programs. He also dedicated over a decade to the Kitsap County Technical Rescue Team, both as a team member and leader.

Chief Christian holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. He served as both Operations and Support Services Assistant Chief with CKFR from 2020 to 2022 before being promoted to Fire Chief by the Board of Commissioners.

In 2022, Chief Christian graduated from the IAFC Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) after competing with new fire chiefs and chief officers from across the United States and Canada. The FSEDI, a year-long leadership-development program created by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), equips new and aspiring chiefs with the tools for successful and productive tenures.

In May 2025, Chief Christian was elected to the Washington State Fire Chiefs’ Board (Position #1), representing Kitsap, Mason, Clallum, Grays Harbor, and Jefferson counties. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Kitsap County Fire Chief’s Association.

Chief Christian is eager to continue working as a trusted community partner and to explore innovative ways to serve as CKFR grows.