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.