Fire Chief Lee Soptich announced Monday that Eastside Fire and Rescue had selected Deputy Chief Greg Tryon as interim fire chief following Soptich’s retirement.

Soptich called the selection “right for all the right reasons.”

“He has the institutional knowledge, professional skills and well-tuned abilities to take on this next personal challenge and will not be one to just fill the seat.”

Tryon, an Issaquah resident and Issaquah High School alumnus, is a 23-year veteran of the fire department who began as a volunteer at Sammamish’s Station 81 in 1992. He joined the department professionally in 1994 and worked his way up the ranks, becoming deputy chief in 2011.

Tryon’s interim position becomes effective Dec. 1, following Soptich’s Nov. 30 retirement, and will last through the selection of a permanent fire chief. Eastside Fire and Rescue leaders anticipate Feb. 1 as the date for selecting a permanent chief.

“To have the opportunity to serve such an incredible organization, in any capacity, let alone as the fire chief, is truly an honor,” Tryon said. “This organization has a long history of serving its communities with distinction and innovation. My job, as the interim, is to help shepherd the agency through this transition of leadership into its next great legacy of innovation and service. This community has been — and continues to be — my home. I am excited to continue being a part of serving my friends, family and neighbors.”

Tryon has submitted an application for consideration as permanent fire chief.