Matt Miller, Daily World Firefighter of the Year 2010, currently a captain with the Hoquiam Fire Department, has been appointed to the position of Hoquiam Fire Department Assistant Chief.

Interim Hoquiam Fire Chief Tom Hubbard made the announcement Tuesday that an executive level interview panel selected Miller, and the appointment is effective Nov. 1.

”Captain Miller began his career with the Hoquiam Fire Department in March 1999 and has held every rank within the department, which makes him ideally suited to transition to this executive leadership role,” said Hubbard. “He has also been a key member of the department’s training committee and is well respected both within the Hoquiam Fire Department as well as by the surrounding fire service and law enforcement agencies.”

Miller has been “an integral part” of the team planning the potential consolidation of the Aberdeen and Hoquiam fire departments into a Regional Fire Authority, said Hubbard. Hubbard, who is also Aberdeen’s Fire Chief, and Aberdeen Assistant Fire Chief Rich Malizia have been working with the Hoquiam department following the retirement of former Hoquiam chief Paul Dean as both cities consider consolidation.

“Miller’s promotion to Assistant Fire Chief will allow him to dedicate more time to exploring both the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for both fire departments,” said Hubbard. “His leadership will greatly benefit both the Hoquiam and Aberdeen Fire Departments during this time of transition.”