Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
Jacob Vanderhalf is an experienced professional with a diverse background in engineering, firefighting, and military operations. Currently serving as a Firefighter and Engineer/Driver for Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority since January 2019, Jacob is also a Hazmat technician. In the military, Jacob has held roles as a C-17 Loadmaster with the US Air Force Reserve since March 2016, and as an Instructor Loadmaster for C-130J with the United States Air Force from March 2010 to March 2016, where responsibilities included aircraft loading, pre-flight and post-flight checks, and mission-specific qualifications. Earlier career experiences include positions as a Network Server Installer at Volt Tech INC., where Jacob installed various computer networks, and as a Computer Aided Drafter at Demension 4 INC., converting hand drawings into CAD systems. Jacob holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Olympic College, earned between 2017 and 2020, and a high school diploma in General Studies from Olympic High School, obtained in 2008.
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
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.