For South Whidbey Fire/EMS’s new fire chief, things are about to become more official this week.

Nicholas Walsh will be sworn in during the fire district’s board of commissioners meeting this Thursday, April 14. The regular meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

Walsh is the successor of Rusty Palmer, who retired April 1 after serving 12 years as the district’s chief.

Although Walsh was born on Whidbey Island, he grew up in Skagit County. He was previously employed at the Anacortes Fire Department, where he has worked since 2007. His most recent role with the department was Chief of Training and EMS.