Bainbridge Island fire chief Hank Teran has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 31, 2023.

Teran joined the BI Fire Department in 2007 after 29 years with California’s Long Beach Fire Department.

During his 15 years serving BI, Teran oversaw the development of the department’s first strategic plan, which paved the way for service improvements that came with staffing all three of the island’s fire stations with full-time, paid personnel and the construction of two new fire stations.

“Chief Teran has served our department and our community exceptionally well through some very challenging times over the past 15 years,” BIFD Board of Fire Commissioners chairman Jay Rosenberg said. “His strong leadership, professionalism, patience, innovation and integrity have not only been instrumental in achieving our goals but also in building a solid foundation for the future.”

Teran was hired as a firefighter at LBFD and rose through the ranks as captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. He received several honors, including the Meritorious Award for his actions in rescuing a trapped occupant from a burning vehicle.

At BIFD, Teran has served as president of the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association and vice president of Washington Fire Chiefs, which earlier this year named Teran Fire Chief of the Year.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies from California State University at Long Beach and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.