After six months without a public information officer, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue hired Ileana LiMarzi last week to fill the new position as public information specialist. Originally from Woodinville, LiMarzi graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism in 1999. She has about seven years of experience in public education, most recently working with the city of Fort Myers Fire Department in Florida. Prior to that she worked as the public information officer with Lee County Sheriff’s Office, also in Florida.

“I’m really excited to be back in a fire department. This is what I want to do,” LiMarzi said.

Theresa MacLennan, the fire agency’s previous public information officer, left in December after her husband took a job that moved them to Maryland. The current public information specialist position earns a salary of $53,700.

Living on Ridgetop in Silverdale, LiMarzi said she is looking forward to being a part of the Central Kitsap community.