Pierce County Fire District 13 (PCFD13) Fire Commissioners Dave Noll and Dave Malone were officially sworn in on January 9th at the monthly Fire Commissioners meeting for their additional terms of service. Noll and Malone will serve on the board for a six-year term. There are currently three fire commissioners that serve on the board for PCFD13. Fire Commissioner Jim Zuluaga the current chairperson for the board.

This year, it is the district's focus to introduce the Browns Point and Dash Point communities to the volunteers that serve the fire district. Each commissioner was asked 5 questions:

Question 1: How long have you been serving as a fire commissioner with PCFD13?

Commissioner Zuluaga: I was elected in 2007; this is the beginning of my 11th year.

Commissioner Noll: I have completed two years.

Commissioner Malone: Since October of 2016.

Question 2: How long is your current term?

Commissioner Zuluaga: I will be serving until 31 December 2019.

Commissioner Noll: My current term is 6 years.

Commissioner Malone: I have four years remaining on the current term.

Question 3: Why did you decide to serve on the fire commissioner’s board for PCFD13?

Commissioner Zuluaga: I volunteered as a firefighter with PCFD#13 from 1980-1989 and spent 31 years with City of Tacoma Fire Dept. I retired as a Battalion Chief in 2014. I love our community and this is my way to give back.

Commissioner Noll: Great opportunity and challenge to apply analytical skills and learn about operations of a fire district.

Commissioner Malone: An unexpected vacancy opened up on the Commission. Upon looking into the duties and responsibilities of the position, I thought it would be a great way to serve my community.

Question 4: What is your favorite thing about the Browns Point and Dash Point communities?

Commissioner Zuluaga: I know my neighbors, I love the tranquility of the Puget Sound.

Commissioner Noll: That there is a sense of community, the natural beauty of the area and appreciation for our history.

Commissioner Malone: The small-town sense of community found in Browns Point and Dash Point. Whether it's catching up on local news at one of the Town Center establishments, volunteering at BPIC events, or helping with my daughter's school/sports activities, I've had the privilege of meeting a lot of really great people who love living here and contributing to improving the quality of life in our little corner of the world.

Question 5: What is one thing you want the general public to know about our community?

Commissioner Zuluaga: A lot of free time goes into making this service a Quality Fire Service. We welcome your thoughtful support with whatever time or talent you can offer. We all benefit. No one needs the Fire Department until there is a crisis at your own home. Then you can appreciate the dedication and preparation of the men and women who respond to assist. Thank you to the whole PCFD#13 team!!!

Commissioner Noll: There is excellent leadership and training provided by Chief McCollum and Assistant Chief Wassall.

Commissioner Malone: How truly dedicated Cliff, Jim, and all the District 13 volunteers are to the safety and well-being of the residents of Browns Point and Dash Point. No one wakes up hoping this is the day I get to call 911 for help, but it's reassuring to know there is a such a hardworking and dedicated team ready to help when needed. And, while the flashing lights and emergency responses get a lot of well-deserved and justified attention, its the hard work, sacrifice and preparation behind the scenes that all too often gets overlooked. Not many notice, and fewer appreciate, the emergencies avoided with the help of of the Fire District's team: the fire(s) that never started because of community outreach and education with kids (and adults), the elderly neighbor who didn't need emergency services because EMT staff checked on him/her on a regular basis, or the family that didn't go hungry because volunteer firefighters helped collect donations for the local food bank - and, lest I forget, the aging weekend warrior injuries prevented by District 13 volunteers raising the Dash Point Christmas tree and loading/unloading the Salmon Bake booths.

ROLE OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER

Voter/citizens (you) are responsible for electing members for a board of fire commissioners to oversee the fire district. Per the Washington State Fire Commissioners Handbook, these elected individuals on the board are responsible for the following areas:

• Determining levels of service and establishing district goals.
• Determining type and level of funding, approve budgets, taxes levies.
• Establishing policies and approve operational procedures.
• Employing key personnel, supervising chief.
• Guiding strategic planning.
• Representing District to the public.

Fire Commissioners are required to attend monthly meetings of the board of commissioners, educate themselves to the history, laws and their roles governing the District. They actively participate in the governance of the District by working with the board of commissioners in open public meetings.

Additional requirements for the commissioners that serve can be found in the Washington State Fire Commissioners Handbook, here.