Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
James Booth is an experienced fire services professional with a diverse background in firefighting and emergency management. Currently serving as Fire Captain at Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and Vice President of Kent Firefighters IAFF Local 1747 since January 2023, James previously held positions at Tukwila Fire Department, where roles included Fire Captain and Firefighter/EMT from May 2009 to January 2023. Additional leadership experience includes serving as President of Tukwila Firefighters IAFF Local 2088. Earlier in their career, James worked as a Firefighter at Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and as Fire Lieutenant at Foresthill Fire Protection District. Academically, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management from Union Institute & University and an Associate's degree in Fire Services Administration from Pierce College, complemented by a Fire Technology Certificate from Solano Community College.
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.