Eastside Fire and Rescue Chief Lee Soptich was honored as the chief of the year by the Washington Fire Chiefs.

His experience in firefighting stretches back to 37 years ago, when he was a volunteer firefighter in Selah.

For two years he served as the president of the King County Fire Chiefs association. He was recognized for developing a good working relationship with King County and improving communication with counterparts in Pierce and Snohomish County.