I am excited to represent you as one of the three Fire Commissioners responsible for fire protection and emergency services within the 126-square miles encompassing our Fire District. As we are all acutely aware, growth and visitors in Upper County will continue to strain public services. As a Fire District, we need to be responsive, accountable, resilient, and ready.
My wife and I currently live in a small log cabin built in Sky Meadows Ranch back in 1976.
In the ten years we have had our cabin, we have watched the devastating effects of wildfires all around us. With the assistance of the Kittitas Conservation District, we have made Firewise a priority because our lives, and our unique old cabin, are irreplaceable.
I have been fortunate over the last seven years to serve as the President of the Board of Trustees of Sky Meadows Ranch. I am proud of our small community’s efforts to Firewise. Recently Sky Meadows was rewarded a $750,000 grant to create fire breaks, assist landowners with fuels reduction, and reduce the overall wildfire risk on behalf of all our neighbors.
For all of us in Upper County, regardless of how much we prepare, having the most robust fire and emergency medical services we can afford is critical. I believe our Fire District is in a position to rise to this challenge by creating a “people first” organization guided by strong strategic planning.
A “people first” Fire District places the service and protection of our residents and property as their highest priority, period.
A “people first” Fire District values, supports, and empowers all of the dedicated firefighters and staff out there every day doing the job for us – paid and volunteer.
I retired last year after a 34-year career as a Washington Peace Officer with the last 16 years as the Chief of Police of Hoquiam. I was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for 13 years, with the last ten as the Chair, working to improve law enforcement training and accountability across our state.
My wife, Monica, retired as a Firefighter/ Paramedic for Aberdeen. We both understand and embrace the passion it takes to serve the community and protect what we have all worked so hard to create for our families.
In my experience, a community does not have to be wealthy to be rich in public safety and service; it all comes down to “people first” and making every dollar count through transparency, accountability, and leadership.
I have not been afraid to roll up my sleeves and work hard in the service of my community, whether that was as a peace officer, member of a state commission, or volunteer trustee for Sky Meadows Ranch.
I will do the same as your Fire Commissioner.
About five years ago, I had the privilege of serving on a citizen advisory committee for the Fire District just as it was starting to grow and transition; I worked with other community volunteers to help provide direct input to our elected Commissioners.
I heard what our citizens expected of the Fire District then; I believe their expectations have not changed today.
I hope you will join me. It is time to move forward.
