Bill
SR 8602
Senate resolution honors Steve Brooks for two decades leading WA fire/EMS, highlighting interagency collaboration and public-safety leadership ahead of his March 2025 retirement.
The resolution expresses formal recognition of Steve Brooks for his two decades of service and leadership in Washington’s fire and EMS communities. It emphasizes his role in fostering interagency cooperation, advancing firefighter issues, and contributing to public safety initiatives across Thurston County and the broader state. The measure also notes his retirement plans (March 2025) and character as a model public servant.
The Substitute Resolution (SENATE RESOLUTION 8602) lays out numerous “WHEREAS” assertions detailing Brooks’s career and impact, including:
- Early career as a critical care flight paramedic and 11 years in Tennessee before relocating to Lacey, Washington in 2005.
- Service as Emergency Medical Service Officer (2005) and Fire Chief (2012) for Thurston County Fire Protection District 3, Lacey.
- Leadership roles such as President of the Thurston County Fire Chiefs (2013) and Operations Board Member for Thurston County SORT, 911, and Medic One.
- Notable contributions to policy, interagency cooperation, and joint ventures within fire and EMS.
- Recognition for leadership style, community impact in Lacey and Thurston County, and advocacy for firefighter issues (including legislative testimony and the Washington Fallen Firefighter Memorial).
- Key initiatives and accomplishments, such as the South Sound Fire Fighter Academy, financial stewardship that yielded clean audits and balanced district growth, successful contract agreements (five collective bargaining agreements ahead of deadlines and without mediation), and innovations in personnel well-being and labor-management relations.
- Leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to improve public safety outcomes statewide.
- Anticipation of retirement in March 2025 and its impact on the local and state fire service community.
The concluding operative clause states:
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and honor Steve Brooks' contributions to the Washington Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services for the past two decades,” acknowledging him as an exemplary public servant.
SR 8602 is a ceremonial measure recognizing Steve Brooks for his two-decade leadership and contributions to Washington’s fire and EMS systems, highlighting his accomplishments in interagency collaboration, fiscal stewardship, personnel well-being, and public safety advocacy. It serves as an official commendation and lifelong record of his service, aligned with the timing of his planned retirement.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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