Editor, The Times: To the citizens of Pierce County, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Fire Chief/EMA Director for Pierce County for the last five years. In March 2019, I was appointed into my role and responsibilities to improve the Pierce County Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency to serve the needs of the citizens and its community infrastructure during non-emergency and emergency incidents.
In the past five years Pierce County Fire Department has improved its personnel and equipment with hard work, dedication and a buy in approach from its citizen firefighters. Pierce County Fire Department started with 16 firefighters in 2019 and has grown into 67 firefighters currently in 2024.
We conducted several Recruit Classes and maintained our weekly continued training program, compliance structural protective gear, 2 vehicle extrication systems, 2 new fire stations, purchase of land for an upcoming fire station and 6 replacement fire engines. Along the way our EMA Programs were revised and upgraded to meet our needs while maintaining efficiency and service during natural and man made disasters. We also secured multiple grants to reduce budget spending.
These accomplishments could not be accomplished without our dedicated volunteers, leadership staff and Board of Commissioners. I will truly miss everyone. Stay strong Pierce County.
Santo Niño Former Fire Chief/EMA Director
