 NAME:Matt HolmPOSITION:Community Services VolunteerYEARS OF SERVICE:41PERSONAL:Married to Janet, 2 Sons
Matt began his career in the fire service in 1972 as a “Jr. Firefighter.” Then, a Jr. Firefighter was someone who was under 16 years of age who could drill and learn the skills of firefighting, but could not participate in any actually firefighting activities. Matt started at 15 years old and when he turned 16, he became a Volunteer Firefighter, which he continued to do throughout his high school years.
Matt attended Bates Vocational School after high school and became a Resident Volunteer Firefighter, living at a fire station, when not in school. In late 1977, he was hired at Fire District 9 (South Hill) and was only the fifth paid person to be hired there. The department remained mostly a volunteer fire department well into the late 1980’s.
Matt continued to expand his knowledge in the fire department by first becoming a training instructor for the department in the early 1980’s, then a Division Chief overseeing the department’s facilities and apparatus through the mid 1980’s to early 1990’s. As the department grew, Matt tested and was promoted to the position of Lieutenant, then Captain and finally a Battalion Chief in 1987.
Following the merger of Parkland/Midland, Spanaway and South Hill/Summit in the mid 1990’s (forming Central Pierce Fire & Rescue), Matt became Battalion Chief of ‘B’ Shift overseeing the daily emergency operations. In 2000, he was promoted to Assistant Chief overseeing Emergency Medical Services. In 2006, Matt moved full time into the position of Assistant Chief of the Prevention & Education Division. He retired in 2010 after 38 years with Central Pierce. Since then, Matt has become a Community Services Volunteer with the department.
Matt is married to Janet, who works at Clover Park Technical College, and has two sons. When not at work, Matt enjoys the outdoors (mostly on his Harley). Every day is a great day, especially if the sun is shining!  NAME:Dana TissuePOSITION:Firefighter/ParamedicYEARS OF SERVICE:12PERSONAL:Married to Tamara Ladder Competition - AVERY ISLAND, La., January 9, 2007 – Sound the alarms! Did you know that Vashon Island, Wash. and Puyallup, Wash. are home to two of America’s most talented firehouse cooks? Jason Everett, a firefighter with the Vashon Island Fire and Rescue, and Dana Tissue, a firefighter with the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, are trading in their turnout coats and Scott packs for aprons and spice racks, and a chance to cook their way to a $10,000 grand prize in the fourth national Tabasco® Cook & Ladder Competition to be held in New York City on February 6, 2007.
Everett and Tissue will go head-to-head with the culinary talent of eight other firefighters from across the country and serve up their favorite recipes – Blazin’ Hot Chicken and Smoky Salmon Chowder respectively – to vie for the title of “America’s Hottest Firehouse Cook.” A panel of food industry judges selected Everett and Tissue to participate in the heated cook-off based on their fiery recipe submissions, which each include one of the six Tabasco pepper sauces, and brief essays describing why their recipes are hottest and most creative dishes in a firehouse kitchen.
Grand prize is $10,000; second prize is $5,000; and third prize is $2,000. All prize money is divided evenly between the winning firefighters and their affiliated firehouses.
Contestants will prepare their recipes for a judging panel composed of chefs, journalists, firefighters and fiery food experts from McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand products.
The first Tabasco Cook & Ladder Competition took place in New York City in 1994 at the French Culinary Institute, and evolved into a series of regional cook-offs staged throughout the United States in 1995 and 1996. In 2000, McIlhenny Company held the first-ever national Tabasco Cook & Ladder Competition in New York City at The Institute of Culinary Education. For more information, please visit www.TABASCO.com. # # # The TABASCO® marks, bottle and label designs are registered trademarks and servicemarks exclusively of McIlhenny Company, Avery Island, LA 70513. http://www.TABASCO.comTABASCO® Country Store 1-800-634-9599  NAME:Rich ColemanPOSITION:Fire CommissionerYEARS OF SERVICE:40PERSONAL:Married, one son and daughter
Commissioner Coleman began his involvement with the fire service in 1972 and spent 18 years as a volunteer firefighter. He later wanted to become more involved with policies and procedures. He has served as an elected Fire Commissioner since 1994. At the same time, he became active with citizens' concerns and activities including involvement with the Midland Association, Midland Matters, and now, is the vice president on the Board for the Midland Community Center.
Commissioner Coleman first served during the merger of four fire districts which formed Central Pierce Fire & Rescue and recently has been integral in adding the City of Puyallup and North Puyallup to the department.
"I'll serve to see the department continue to grow and be one of the best for all the citizens. In the years to come, there will be many challenges and mountains to climb," Coleman said. "It will be a day-to-day joy to continue to serve as Commissioner and work with the wonderful people of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue."  NAME:Guy OverbyPOSITION:Deputy Fire MarshalYEARS OF SERVICE:21PERSONAL:Married to Marga Lee, 1 daughter Mahlia, 1 son Alex
I graduated from Rogers High School in 1984, spent the next several years working for a cabinet shop, and then Boeing. I was hired by the Puyallup Fire Department (now Central Pierce Fire & Rescue) on Sept. 1, 1991. I took a temporary appointment into the Fire Marshal’s office in 1998. I enjoyed it so much I took the next promotional exam and was promoted full time in early 2000.
During my 9 years in investigations, I have had 7 Deputy Fire Marshals come and go, as well as, 6 different supervisors. Hmmmm, not sure if it’s me or the job that’s wearing them all out.
Most of my spare time is spent in the gym. I have been competing in bodybuilding since 1993 and my wife (the love of my life) is a nationally ranked Figure/Fitness Competitor. People always ask how we tell our trophies apart. I always say it’s easy, most of mine say 2nd place and most of hers say 1st.
When not dieting for a show, my wife and I enjoy wine tasting and traveling to sunny destinations. Mexico and Las Vegas seem to be where we find ourselves most often. My other passions are my 1968 442 Convertible, golfing and, as much as I hate to admit it, I am a Fantasy Football addict.
 NAME:Jim McAdamsPOSITION:Battalion ChiefYEARS OF SERVICE:27PERSONAL:Married, 2 Kids
I was born in High Wycombe, England on June 9th, 1962. My Dad was in the military and met my Mom there. Being military, we traveled a lot and we were stationed in Guam, Germany, Oklahoma, Texas, Massachusetts, Arizona, and finally Washington.
I attended Aylen Junior High and Puyallup High School. There, I played baseball and basketball. After graduation, I went to Bates Vocational Tech for fire service training and attended Fort Steilacoom Community College in pursuit of my Fire Command and Administration degree.
I was hired with the Summit/South Hill Fire Department in April of 1985 and decided to get away from the 2 year levies and see what the City of Puyallup had to offer for security in 1989 (insert laugh here). Now with the merger with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, I am happy to be back with many of the people I worked with in the past and look forward to meeting all the new fellow employees.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Heidi, for 22 years (18 of them happy, joke!). I have 2 great kids, Jessica is 18 and Luke is 16.
I enjoy traveling, fishing, camping, playing softball with CPFR, and basketball sessions whenever possible.
 NAME:Cliff IottePOSITION:Deputy Fire MarshalYEARS OF SERVICE:23PERSONAL:4 kids
Cliff was born and raised in Forks, WA. He worked in mills, operated heavy equipment building roads and then, logged for ten years.
He was married and has four kids, ages 24 to 34. One child is still in college. Cliff enjoys having five grandchildren.
Cliff attended the Police Academy in Burien and in his words, “Yes, pepper spray sucks.” With 28 years in the fire service, he has served on the Hazardous Materials team and the Urban Search and Rescue team. He currently is a certified fire investigator and performs Fire Inspections and Investigations in the City of Puyallup.
In his off time, Cliff enjoys deer hunting and anything related to the outdoors.
 NAME:Doug WillisPOSITION:Fire ChiefYEARS OF SERVICE:32PERSONAL:Married, 2 sons and 1 dog
We'd like to congratulate our new Fire Chief Doug Willis on his appointment effective June 1st!
Doug is a third generation firefighter. Both his father and grandfather worked for the Tacoma Fire Department. His father served from 1949-1974 and his grandfather started the family tradition in 1927, then served for thirty years. While in school, Doug saw himself becoming a teacher, however at eighteen, he was eager to work. After a year in construction, he realized the importance of a steady job with benefits. This was the first time he seriously considered being a firefighter.
Doug enrolled in the Bates Fire Service training program. Due to the financial commitment of owning a house, he only attended Bates for a couple months; however, this did not end his quest to be a firefighter. He continued to study on his own and take firefighter tests. In the spring of 1980, he was one of six firefighters hired by (at that time) the Summit-South Hill fire district.
In 1984, Doug was promoted to lieutenant and in 1987, he was promoted to captain. When the three fire districts merged to make up Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, he spent ten years frequently filling in as battalion chief.
In the 1990’s, Doug served as Vice President of the Firefighter Union Local 2175 and as the fourth district representative with the Washington State Council of Firefighters.
After 24 years of service in the field, Doug promoted to Deputy Chief in 2004 and will now serve as fire chief.
His hobbies include snow skiing, outdoor activities and traveling with his wife.  NAME:Dennis LawsonPOSITION:Battalion ChiefYEARS OF SERVICE:28PERSONAL:Married, 1 son & 1 daughter
Dennis started his pursuit as a fire fighter while serving as a resident fire fighter in Federal Way, Washington. After two years of testing, he was hired by the City of Puyallup on May 11, 1987. After his probationary period he, along with other members, became very active in the creation of the Puyallup Special Operations and the Hazardous Material Response Teams. During this same time frame he began preparing for his future promotional testing.
Dennis was promoted to the position of Captain in 1992, where he worked until the year 2000 when he then, accepted the position to Battalion Chief. During his time with the City of Puyallup he worked with the department’s administration and elected officials identifying staffing needs and station locations. Dennis became an employee with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue in 2009, after the City of Puyallup elected to merge into the fire district.
Dennis has served as an elected union leader since 1988. He’s held the positions of Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President. Dennis currently represents the Chief’s bargaining unit with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue (IAFF 726). He is very active at the state level serving as a district representative for the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters for 8 years. Dennis proudly represents the fire fighter unions that fall within Mason, Kitsap and Pierce County (with the exception of Tacoma). In addition to the district representative position, he holds the position of Vice President for the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters organization. He has also been appointed to serve as a field service representative for the International Association of Fire fighters where he is assigned to assist various fire fighter unions in need of special assistance.
Dennis is a 2nd generation fire fighter. He followed his father, Dick Lawson, who worked for the Tacoma Fire Department for approximately 27 years. Dennis’ brother, Dan Lawson, is also a fire fighter for the City of Vancouver Washington, where he has worked for 12-years.
Dennis’ greatest joy comes from his family. He has been happily married to his wife (Brenda) since 1986 and they have two kids Kyle 19 and Megan 17. As a family they enjoy travelling, camping and the Seahawks. Dennis is very proud and honored to be a fire fighter and of his union work on behalf of the fire fighters and the fire service.
 NAME:Randy StephensPOSITION:Assistant ChiefYEARS OF SERVICE:24PERSONAL:Married with 4 children
Assistant Chief Randy Stephens was born in Bakersfield, California. He is married to his life partner, Tori and has four children: Alicia, Tanner, Kannon and Jacie Grace. He currently resides in Gig Harbor and is an elected fire commissioner for Pierce County Fire Protection District #5 (Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One).
He began his fire career as a volunteer with Parkland before being hired by the City of Puyallup in November of 1989. He promoted to Captain, Battalion Chief/Medical Services Officer, and Deputy Chief of Operations prior to the department annexation to CPF&R in January of 2009. He also spent the better part of three years working as a Deputy Fire Marshal under the guidance of Fire Marshal Richard Carmen.
Randy is currently pursuing his Fire Command Administration degree, as well as, a degree in Emergency Management/ Homeland Security. He is now the Assistant Chief of the Prevention & Education Division.
In his off time, Randy enjoys camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife and children.
 NAME:Pat DonovanPOSITION:Assistant Chief, Field OperationsYEARS OF SERVICE:29PERSONAL:Married, 2 sons
Pat began his fire service career as a resident at Pierce County Fire District 7 (Spanaway) in 1983 while attending Pacific Lutheran University. After graduating from PLU with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, he began testing and was hired by Spanaway in 1985.
Pat moved to Puyallup Fire & Rescue in 2001 and worked there until the annexation with Central Pierce. Pat became a paramedic firefighter in the mid 1990’s and was promoted to Captain after that. He then promoted to Battalion Chief and was the department’s Medical Services Officer for several years until going back to a Suppression Battalion Chief in 2007. He is now the Assistant Chief in charge of Field Operations.
Pat has been married to Tricia since 1987 and has two boys, Ryan (attending Emerald Ridge High School) and Connor (attending Stahl Junior High School). Always interested in public service, Pat has served on the Puyallup School District Board of Directors since his appointment in early 2009. Pat is in his final year of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. He is interested in photography, golf and bicycling.
 NAME:Ray EscobedoPOSITION:Firefighter/ParamedicYEARS OF SERVICE:16PERSONAL:Married, 2 sons
Ray was born and raised in Southern California. He has been married to the love of his life, Vashti, for 11 years. They have two boys ages 10 and 7. Ray enjoys coaching them in football and soccer respectively. He is an avid football fan and loves cheering on the Seahawks and USC Trojans. He likes taking long runs on the treadmill while watching scenes of the beach on t.v., just a little twenty first century humor there.
Ray grew up playing organized sports and loved every second of it. During his childhood, the neighborhood library was right next door to one of the fire stations, where he would often go visit the on-duty crews. Ray can't remember "wanting" to be a firefighter back then, but he knows he thought those guys were pretty cool.
Ray started in the fire service in 1996 as an auxiliary firefighter with the City of San Marino, CA. In 1999, he became a paramedic and shortly thereafter, was hired by San Marino as a career firefighter/paramedic. In 2004, Ray and his wife realized California was not the place for them to raise their children. So, Ray decided to test in Washington State. That is when he found the city with the funny name, Puyallup Fire and Rescue, and they were hiring lateral firefighter/paramedics.
Ray was hired in February of 2005. Shortly after being hired he had the opportunity to join the Puyallup Extrication Team, which has helped him to further stay in tune with his craft. In 2008, Ray was chosen to be a member of the hazardous materials team.
Ray says, "I love my life and my career. I consider myself truly lucky to be a part of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, and this fire service family, serving all of the citizens and visitors of Pierce County Fire District 6."
 NAME:Sean ClaytonPOSITION:Firefighter/EMTYEARS OF SERVICE:7PERSONAL:Married to Cheryl
Daughter Rylee
Sean was born and raised in Ohio, where his father is a retired Battalion Chief/Paramedic. Sean spent four years in the Navy with two tours in Desert Storm aboard the USS Nimitz working on the flight deck building and loading bombs/missiles on aircraft. He was later stationed in Washington where he has stayed since leaving the military.
Sean worked in the medical field following the military, primarily as a first assist in the operating room and then held a variety of other medical related jobs. He became an EMT in 1995. He started his fire service career as a Resident Firefighter for Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety in 2002. In 2005, Sean was hired at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue. Sean says, "I love my job tremendously and can't imagine doing anything else."
Sean and his wife, Cheryl, own their own photography business, enjoy the outdoors and camp in their travel trailer as often as possible. Cheryl is a marketing manager for the Staples Corporation. Sean's other hobbies include riding dirt bikes, mountain biking and playing guitar.  NAME:Keith WrightPOSITION:Deputy ChiefYEARS OF SERVICE:24PERSONAL:Married, 3 children
Keith began his fire service career as a resident volunteer at Parkland Fire Department in 1988. After a year of taking numerous fire department tests throughout western Washington, he was hired by Parkland Fire Department. Not long after this, merger talks began and a few years later Central Pierce Fire and Rescue was formed.
Over the years Keith has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and he currently serves as the Deputy Chief. He is also serving as the Vice President of the Pierce County Fire Chief’s Association. Keith spent several years as a member of the department’s Special Operations Team as well as a member of FEMA Washington Task Force 1. As a member of the task force he deployed to Oklahoma City for the Alfred P. Murrah Building bombing and to the 9/11 World Trade Center attack at New York City.
He has earned his Associates Degree in Fire Command and Administration from Bellevue Community College. In June of 2011, he will graduate from Eastern Oregon University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Administration. There are several aspects that Keith loves about his career and the fire service, but most importantly he appreciates and is thankful for the opportunity to help and give back to the community.
Keith has been married to his wonderful wife Marlene for 20 years. Together they have a home in Puyallup and 3 great children. His kids are: Connor (14), Jarod (12) and Sarah (10). Some of the activities he enjoys include: time with the family, Boy Scout activities and camping with his sons, golf, and being outdoors.
 NAME:Ron MengePOSITION:LieutenantYEARS OF SERVICE:34PERSONAL:Married, 2 children, 5 grandchildren.
Ron Menge was born and raised in North Dakota. He moved to Puyallup in 1967 and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1968.
Ron has been married to his high school sweetheart for 41 years. He has two children (Scott and Carissa) and five grandchildren. The latest were twins born on February 25th.
Ron started in the fire service in 1975 as a volunteer firefighter. His then young son, Scott ( a student at Buttons & Bows Pre-School), was excited when he returned from a field trip to the fire station. Scott was so excited Ron asked if he'd like to return so Dad could see. He was signed up as a volunteer before he left the fire station.
In 1978, Ron was hired as a career firefighter by the former Summit/South Hill Fire Department. Years later he promoted to Lieutenant. Ron is retiring in June.
Over his career, Ron has seen many changes. Engines which used to be staffed with one volunteer firefighter are now staffed with 3-4 career firefighters. Firefighters responding as EMT's in the past would wait sometimes 30 minutes for an ambulance company to transport patients to the hospital. Those resources now come direct from the fire station within minutes. Finally, the merger of many fire districts to make up what is now Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
We wish Ron well in his reitrement!
 NAME:Tyler BrownPOSITION:Firefighter/ParamedicYEARS OF SERVICE:6PERSONAL:Engaged
Tyler was raised in Renton, WA and upon graduating from high school, went to the University of Washington. While in college, Tyler became a resident firefighter for Mountain View Fire & Rescue. After contemplating life behind a desk utilizing his accounting degree, Tyler decided to pursue becoming a professional firefighter. Tyler was hired by Central Pierce in January 2006, one month after graduating college (BA, Business Administration). He became a paramedic in 2010.
Tyler currently lives in Auburn with his fiance Katie. Tyler and Katie have one son, a 93lb German Shepard/Mastiff mix, whom they adopted from a rescue organization. When not digging up the backyard, Monty, makes a great running companion for Tyler. Tyler also enjoys cycling, weightlifting, and golfing.
Tyler and Katie have a busy upcoming year. Katie is beginning school for a Master's of Social Work in September. While not working or attending school, they also have a wedding to plan for August of 2012.  NAME:Adam JacksonPOSITION:CaptainYEARS OF SERVICE:18PERSONAL:Married with 3 kids
Adam was introduced to firefighting by his cousin who retired from the Renton Fire Department. After hanging out with him and seeing what the profession was all about, Adam knew it was what he wanted to do. Following graduation from college in June of 1993, he started testing and was hired by the Sumner Fire Department. In 1996, he was hired by the Puyallup Fire Department, which is now part of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Captain Jackson graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelors in Communication and a minor in Political Science. He received his AA in Fire Protection and Technology from South Puget Sound Community College.
Adam grew up in the Seattle area. He is married to Kelli and they have three children (Emily, Megan and Tyler). He enjoys cycling of all types, soccer, being outdoors and time with his family.  NAME:Ethan TolerPOSITION:FirefighterYEARS OF SERVICE:10PERSONAL:Married, 3 kids
Ethan was born and raised in University Place, WA. After graduating from Curtis High School in 1985, he worked for 13 years in the grocery business, as well as, working 4 years as a Reserve Police Officer. He then traveled to San Jose, CA with his twin brother, attended Mission College and received his AA degree in Fire Science.
After returning home, Ethan spent time working for the Peninsula Light Company and volunteering with the Gig Harbor Fire Department. In 2000, he was hired by the Lacey Fire Department as a Trainee Firefighter. He was ultimately hired by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in 2002.
Ethan resides in Mount Vernon where he lives with his wonderful wife, Megan, and their three kids; Ashley, Trevor and Luke. Megan, who has a degree in Culinary Arts, enjoys cooking, baking and has a passion for fitness. Ethan enjoys time with his family, traveling, camping, golfing, mountain biking and involvement at his local church.  NAME:Mike AuvilPOSITION:Firefighter ParamedicYEARS OF SERVICE:10PERSONAL:Married, 3 boys
Mike was born in Port Townsend, WA in 1977. While still in high school, he joined the South Cle Elum Volunteer Fire Department. Upon graduation, he worked as a logger to earn money for college. Once he had saved enough, he enrolled in Skagit Valley College, where he later graduated with an Associates Degree in Fire Technology. During his time in college, he was a Resident Firefighter/EMT for the Sedro-Woolley Fire Department and worked for a private ambulance company in Whatcom County.
In 2000, Mike was accepted to Central Washington University's Paramedic Program, where he also played rugby. Upon completion, he worked in Yakima as a paramedic. In 2002, Mike was hired by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
"I enjoy the profession I have chosen and am rewarded on various levels each and every day," Mike says. "Not only do I take pride in providing service to the community, but I also keep my co-workers safe and healthy as a peer fitness trainer." Mike also serves as the Vice President of the Firefighters Local 726.
Mike currently resides in Puyallup with his wife, Teresa, and three boys; Landen, Ryler and Breven. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, laughing and being Daddy. |
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