Gig Harbor's Lowell Porter to Lead County's Emergency Management

Gig Harbor resident, Lowell Porter, has been selected to lead the Department of Emergency Management, Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy said on Monday.

She credited Porter's 30-plus years of experience in public safety to help ensure Pierce County's emergency preparation.

Porter spent 25 years with the Washington State Patrol, rising from trooper cadet all the way to chief. He also has held leadership roles with state and national organizations dedicated to traffic safety and improving radio communications.

"Lowell Porter has dedicated his career to improving public safety," Executive McCarthy said. "He has an outstanding record of executive leadership, strategic planning and building partnerships. He is a great choice to lead our Emergency Management staff, who work hard to make sure we are prepared for the worst."

Porter, 56, succeeds Steve Bailey, who retired in December after a successful career in fire fighting and emergency management.

Porter started as a cadet with the Washington State Patrol in 1980, and finished his career in uniform as chief of the state's largest public safety agency in 2005. He served as the governor's appointed director of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission from 2005 to 2012. He has spent the past 13 months as coordinator of the National Law Enforcement Liaison Program, which supports innovative traffic safety initiatives around the country.

“I look forward to joining an emergency management team with an excellent reputation as a leader in this important field of public safety, and one that has prepared Pierce County well to respond to emergencies and disasters” said Porter.

Porter earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration from City University and a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Porter lives in Gig Harbor with his wife Julie and enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren, most of whom live in Pierce County.

He starts May 13. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the County Council.

Information courtesy of Pierce County.