ARLINGTON – The Arlington Fire Department and North County Fire & EMS are partnering to provide more services to their residents and businesses.

The city will be hiring a deputy chief – medical services administrator, and North County Fire is hiring an assistant chief for community risk reduction, serving as fire marshal.

The deputy chief, Chris Dickison, will supervise day-to-day emergency medical services programs for both agencies. With promotion, with Jonna pinned on his new badge at the City Council meeting Monday, attended also by their three daughters, Paige, Emma and Tatum.

Dickison has worked for the city as a paramedic since 2002. Previously, he worked as an EMT with Cascade Valley Hospital. He started March 18.

The assistant chief position will be filled by Mike Makela, who will supervise community risk reduction, fire prevention and investigation activities for both agencies.

He joins North County Fire after serving three years with the Spokane Valley Fire Department as deputy fire marshal and eight years with the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office as a fire investigator.

North County Chief John Cermak said the agencies “continue to explore partnerships and innovative solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery.”

Arlington Fire Chief Dave Kraski added it an opportunity to provide extra services the agencies can’t do alone.

Wife Jonna pins a new badge on new Arlington deputy fire chief Chris Dickison at Monday’s City Council meeting as daughters Paige, Emma and Tatum look on.