Dear Citizens,

It is my pleasure to present our new Web site to you on behalf of all the dedicated men and women of East Pierce Fire and Rescue. The purpose of this site is to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding East Pierce and the many programs we offer.

A number of people worked long hours to provide the depth of information you will find here. I would like to thank them for their service. It is a job well done.

This is an exceptional fire department and I am proud to serve as the new chief. East Pierce firefighters not only respond to emergencies, but work hard to help prevent them. We offer a number of quality fire prevention and life safety programs such as:

• Life jacket loaners at each of the parks on Lake Tapps.
• Maintain a newly-installed self-serve kiosk in Allan Yorke Park for citizens to borrow life jackets for the day.
• Teach fire and life safety classes to elementary students and CPR classes to middle and high school students in the Sumner, White River and Dieringer School Districts. 
• Offer free CPR and first aid classes twice a month
• Sell and fit bike helmets and life jackets
• Install car seats for children and infants.
• Participate in numerous community events. For a calendar of upcoming events, click here.

In 2008, East Pierce crews responded to more than 6,600 emergency calls. Seven out of ten of those calls were for medical emergencies. I am particularly pleased that citizens who live in within the district receive ambulance transport through East Pierce with no out-of-pocket expenses. That can be a huge savings for our residents and often makes a difference whether or not those who are in need, seek treatment at a hospital.

For all of our accomplishments, we suffered a great loss last year. On July 26, 2008 East Pierce Fire Chief Dan Packer died in a California wildfire. We invite you to visit the tribute to Chief Packer. We honor his legacy as husband, father, grand-father and firefighter.

As we move forward, as fire dynamics and medical care take on new dimensions — as the world around us changes – East Pierce Fire and Rescue will not lose sight of its commitment to provide the best possible service with professionalism, preparation and above all, compassion, for all of our citizens.

Thank you for putting your trust in us. We promise to earn it every single day.

Jerry Thorson

East Pierce Fire Chief