The District (originally named King County Fire District #11) was founded in 1941. It is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners who oversee finances, equipment, capital improvements, and general fire department functions. North Highline Fire District serves about 20,000 community members in a three-and-a-half square mile unincorporated area located just south of the Seattle city limits. Our fire district rating is a 4. The District operates on a budget of roughly $6 million.
In 2019, the North Highline Fire District (NHFD) consolidated with KCFD2 for fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical services, which resulted in all employees of NHFD transferring to KCFD2 effective as of the beginning of 2019. NHFD has no employees, however, remains a viable fire district, governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, with one of the commissioners’ terms expiring at the end of 2023. Under the terms of the interlocal agreement (ILA) for consolidated services, NHFD pays a portion of the overall expenditures of KCFD2 for personnel, station, and apparatus costs. NHFD’s revenue sources include property taxes and a fire benefit charge.
In 2019, the North Highline Fire District (NHFD) consolidated with KCFD2 for fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical services, which resulted in all employees of NHFD transferring to KCFD2 effective as of the beginning of 2019. NHFD has no employees, however, remains a viable fire district, governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, with one of the commissioners’ terms expiring at the end of 2023. Under the terms of the interlocal agreement (ILA) for consolidated services, NHFD pays a portion of the overall expenditures of KCFD2 for personnel, station, and apparatus costs. NHFD’s revenue sources include property taxes and a fire benefit charge.
|
CHIEF GAY
Chief Jason Gay began his career in the fire service in 2005 with King County Fire District #2. Before joining the department, he served in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a mechanical engineer in the private sector. In 2012, he was promoted to Captain and worked on the ladder truck and squad, obtaining numerous certifications in rescue disciplines. He also served as Vice President of Local 1461 and worked as a Logistics Officer and Fire Inspector in the Fire Marshal's office. This is just a brief summary and not an exhaustive list of his many contributions and accomplishments to the department. Over the years, Chief Gay has held various positions in the fire district and was appointed as Fire Chief in November 2023. |
|
ASSISTANT CHIEF A. WAYNE METZ
Assistant Chief Wayne Metz is a retired U.S. military Lieutenant Colonel having served for 27 years as an Infantry Officer. He began his career as a fire fighter with the North Highline Fire District in September of 2014. After the consolidation of the North Highline Fire Department into King County Fire District #2, Assistant Chief Metz aka 'the Colonel' was promoted to Captain in February 2020 with King County Fire District #2. He became the department Assistant Chief and Chief of Operations in May of 2021. He is responsible for all current and future operations related to Emergency Medical Services and Fire Suppression activities within KCFD#2. |
ASSISTANT CHIEF RAY DESMARAIS
Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal Ray Desmarais joined KCFD #2 in 2005 as a volunteer and was hired full-time in 2008. He became a Captain in 2017 and currently serves as the Fire Marshal in charge of Burien and Normandy Park, while also assisting King County in the unincorporated area of White Center.
Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal Ray Desmarais joined KCFD #2 in 2005 as a volunteer and was hired full-time in 2008. He became a Captain in 2017 and currently serves as the Fire Marshal in charge of Burien and Normandy Park, while also assisting King County in the unincorporated area of White Center.