East Pierce Fire Swears In New Fire Chief

BONNEY LAKE, WA — East Pierce Fire & Rescue (EPFR) has a new fire chief on the job.

At a virtual Commissioners meeting Tuesday night, current Fire Chief Bud Backer swore in Deputy Chief John Parkinson as the next East Pierce Fire & Rescue Fire Chief. According to the fire department, Parkinson will be working alongside Chief Backer for the next month until Backer retires in June.

Backer has served with East Pierce Fire & Rescue for six years, but has been a firefighter since 1985 when he signed on as a volunteer firefighter in Benton County. Backer says he has been extremely honored and grateful to have the experience serving as East Pierce's Fire Chief, but felt the time was right to retire and focus on family — especially as his 30th wedding anniversary draws close.

In a letter announcing his retirement, Backer said he is confident that Parkinson will be able to take up his mantle.

"I have known Chief Parkinson for some time and am supremely confident that he will serve you well," Backer said. "With 28 years of fire service experience, Jon has risen through the ranks and held the position of Deputy Chief in two departments. Having completed a master’s degree in public administration, Chief Parkinson is well qualified for the position. You will be in good hands."

At the same meeting Tuesday, the EPFR's Board of Fire Commissioners also swore in their newest Fire Commissioner, Cynthia Wernet.

East Pierce Fire serves nearly 97,000 Pierce County residents living on 153 square miles from Bonney Lake and Sumner to Edgewood and Milton. EPFR was formed in 200 when the Pierce County Fire Districts 22, 24 and the City of Bonney Lake Fire Department merged. Since then they've merged with several other departments, growing to a total 9 fire stations.