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Puget Sound Fire chief outlines recruitment push, health, FD CARES expansion
Summary
Chief Mark Jones told the Kent City Council the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority needs 100 new firefighters over four years, is expanding health and wellness and FD CARES programs, and is pursuing recruitment pipelines and annexations to maintain service across a growing region.
Chief Mark Jones, introduced to the council as the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority chief, told the meeting that the regional department now serves roughly 270,000 residents across about 120 square miles and responded to more than 44,000 calls in 2025.
"Our mission is to professionally and compassionately help people," Jones said, adding that the authority has grown into an organization of more than 500 employees and operates 17 fire stations serving five cities and two fire districts.
Jones detailed three near-term priorities: a recruitment push to place 100 new firefighters on the street over the next four years (about 25 per year),…
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