Insider named to head Tacoma Fire Department. Here’s what we know about her

Tacoma has a new fire chief.

Sionna Stallings-Ala’ilima takes over immediately as head of the Fire Department, City Manager Elizabeth Pauli announced Tuesday. Stallings-Ala’ilima has served as interim chief since July 2024 when then-Chief Tory Green retired. Green’s salary was nearly $300,000 per year in 2023, public records show.

Stallings-Ala’ilima has worked in the department for 18 years, including as a firefighter, paramedic, medical services officer and assistant chief.

“Chief Stallings-Ala’ilima brings a deep understanding of the department’s strengths, challenges and potential,” Pauli said in a news release. “She also brings dedication and drive for continuous improvement and is committed to operational excellence, leadership development and innovative community risk reduction strategies.”

Stallings-Ala’ilima will manage daily operations and oversee emergency services, to include implementing strategic plans and managing the department’s budget, which is about $274 million for 2025-26. The department has more than 500 personnel.

“I consider the Tacoma Fire Department to be my family, and I am extremely proud of our long history of service to this community dating back to 1880,” Stallings-Ala’ilima said in the news release.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 12:19 PM.