Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hillory Flowers has been appointed Chief of the Olympia Fire Department (OFD), becoming the first woman to lead the public service agency.
City Manager Jay Burney made the announcement during an Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
“Chief Flowers has exhibited outstanding leadership in the department,” said Burney to city council members at the meeting. “She is the first female chief in the history of the OFD.”
Flowers joined the OFD in April 2025 after spending 19 years with Lacey Fire Distric 3, where she held several leadership positions, including assistant chief of health and safety and interim medical services officer.
She served as Olympia’s deputy chief of operations before becoming interim fire chief after former Chief Matt Morris retired earlier this year.
Burney described Flowers “as a proven relationship builder who is well respected by the fire service community locally and regionally.”
Flowers was appreciative of the appointment as chief.
“It is an honor and privilege to get to serve as the fire chief of the Olympia Fire Department,” said Flowers to the city council.
She said department staff have been “truly welcoming” and praised the men and women of the department as “highly dedicated professionals.”
Mayor Dontae Payne highlighted the significance of her appointment.
“You are the first woman, I believe, to lead our fire department,” Payne said. “It’s really important for our young girls and young women to see somebody, such as yourself, in a leadership role.”
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Boatyarddog
I appreciate the strong woman leaders in our community Going for positions generally dominated by men in the past. Good on them!
Thursday, August 13 Report this
TheVirtualOne
I’m very supportive of competent women in leadership positions. The City of Olympia doesn’t have a good track record though, as their tendencies have been guided more by DEI versus competency. I hope she isn’t one of those. Ask one of the rank and file people under her and you’ll find out the truth. Best of luck in your new job Chief Flowers.
Thursday, August 13 Report this
BettyVerdammt
Can she be as overpaid as her predecessor? Yes. She. Can.
Saturday, August 15 Report this