Gary Merrell

Puget Sound Fire exists to maintain and enhance the quality of life within its boundaries by protecting life, property, and the environment. We are an internationally accredited, full-service, all risk fire and rescue department that provides services to the citizens of Covington, Kent, Maple Valley, SeaTac, King County Fire District #37, and King County Fire District #43. Puget Sound Fire covers 108.81 square miles and protects a population of over 226,815. We are governed by a Governance Board, which is comprised of six voting members and three non-voting members. Three members of the board are appointed from the Kent City Council, three from the Board of Commissioners for Fire District 37, one non-voting member from the Covington City Council, one non-voting member from the SeaTac City Council, and one non-voting member from the King County Fire District #43 Board of Commissioners. It is the board’s responsibility to oversee budget and policy decisions and to ensure that the department is successful in its mission of protecting our community. Puget Sound Fire provides emergency response services including basic life support, fire suppression, hazardous materials, and technical rescue from 13 fire stations. All stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Advanced Life Support services are provided through King County’s Medic One program. Currently the department employs 326 with 258 of those being uniformed personnel. The 68 civilians are in various roles including administrative staff, mechanics, and public educators. Internal support divisions include Fire Administration, Business Administration (Assessment & Planning, Finance, Logistics, and Fire Investigations), Community Risk Reduction (Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, Public Education), Support Services (Information Technology, Facilities and Property Management, FDCARES, and Vehicle Maintenance), and Training.