When Fire Chief Jay Hagen stepped into his role seven years ago, Bellevue was already a city on the rise. What followed under his leadership was nothing short of a transformation. With a blend of data-driven strategy and community-first service, Chief Hagen helped grow Bellevue Fire into one of the most forward-thinking departments in the state. As he heads east to begin a new chapter as Fire Chief in Kalispell, Montana, Bellevue turns to a familiar face to carry that legacy forward. 

Enter Interim Chief, Dave Tait, a Bellevue veteran who has been part of the city’s fire service since 1997. Tait’s roots in the department run deep. He started straight out of UW and has since built a career grounded in public service, collaboration, and a strong belief in development from within. With a Master’s degree in public service leadership from Arizona State University and nearly three decades of experience across many department roles, Chief Tait brings both depth of knowledge and heart to the job. 

But ask him about his greatest pride, and he won’t start with credentials. He’ll tell you about his family. Dave and his wife have raised four kids together. His two daughters are in their twenties, one a kindergarten teacher and the other an ER nurse at Overlake Hospital. Then there are his two youngest--energetic sons ages 10 and 8, who spend their evenings running bases with their dad coaching from third. 

What Chief Tait loves most about Bellevue Fire is the people. “This team is the heart of who we are,” he says. “They’re compassionate, capable, and absolutely committed to our community.” He is incredibly proud of the members of this fire department and excited to serve in this new capacity. Second only to that, he says, is the opportunity Bellevue Fire provides. “This department allows people to chart their own path,” he explains. Whether it’s training as a paramedic, driving an engine, or becoming a hazmat or surface water rescue specialist, there’s a track for every kind of firefighter. The range of professional growth within Bellevue Fire is something Tait sees as both unique and essential. Behind each role is a shared mission of care and community problem-solving. 

“We’re agents of ‘how’,” Tait explains. “We don’t just respond to emergencies. We figure out how to solve problems, big and small, right there in the neighborhoods we serve.” That philosophy has guided Bellevue Fire through a period of incredible growth. Under former Chief Jay Hagen’s tenure, the department evolved to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding city. They broke ground on Fire Station 10, added a new battalion, and expanded their capabilities with brush trucks, thanks to grants from Amazon and the Bellevue Fire Foundation, to better respond to wildland fires. Coming this summer, new jet skis for water rescue will hit the water, made possible by the Bacon Foundation and Bellevue Fire Foundation. The Medic One Foundation also plays a critical role by funding paramedic training for Bellevue’s firefighters. Expansion for the fire department takes more than a village! 

Chief Hagen helped shape a department that not only meets the modern moment but looks ahead to what’s next. He laid the groundwork for future leadership with detailed succession planning and internal development—a structure Tait is well prepared to carry forward. Under Hagen’s leadership, the department also reimagined how it connects with residents. Rather than one annual open house, Bellevue Fire now hosts rotating monthly open houses at each station. It’s a simple change, but one that has made fire education more personal, more consistent, and more accessible. If you haven’t yet visited your local station, check out the calendar on the city website.

As for Chief Hagen, he’s settling into life in Kalispell, where the mornings start a little slower. With coffee in hand and mountains on every horizon, the work in his new community is already ramping up. An Amazon distribution center is on the way, housing developments are popping up across town, and Kalispell’s small fire department is preparing for growth. “It’s a different kind of challenge,” Chief Hagen says. “But one I’m excited for.” And in a town where face-to-face conversation still beats e-mail, he’s enjoying getting to know the people he serves. 

Still, Bellevue will always be part of his story. “I hope people remember the hard work and the dedication,” Jay says. “And I know that Bellevue is in great hands with Chief Tait. He knows this department inside and out. He’s the right person to lead Bellevue Fire into the future.” 

And so, with gratitude to Chief Hagen and a warm welcome to Chief Tait, Bellevue Fire enters its next chapter--one built on legacy, lifted by community, and led by the people who make it all possible. 

Welcome, Chief Tait. We’re proud to have you at the helm!