City Manager Brad Miyake has tapped Mark Risen to take over as interim fire chief following Chief Mike Eisner’s retirement later this month.

Risen currently serves as deputy chief of the Bellevue Fire Department, and has been with the department for the past 31 years. Eisner announced his retirement in May, one month after celebrating his 40th year with the BFD. Risen will take over in the interim starting June 14.

Joining the department in 1983, Risen moved up the ranks to deputy chief, and recently served as interim chief in Woodinville during a six-month period. As interim chief in Bellevue, Risen also will serve on the city’s leadership team.

“We are in the process of putting together a thorough and comprehensive recruitment process, including stakeholder engagement,” stated Miyake in an email to city staff on Monday. “Given the importance of this position, we expect the interim assignment to last throughout the year. As details of the recruitment for the permanent chief become available, I will share them with you.”