The East Pierce Fire and Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners announced the results of a national search to hire a new fire chief at a special meeting Thursday. In a unanimous decision, the commissioners voted to issue a conditional offer of employment to E. L. “Bud” Backer, deputy chief of Eastside Fire and Rescue, in Issaquah.

Backer will not be officially hired until a contract has been finalized. His start date and salary are part of those negotiations. The new chief will replace Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson who will retire at the end of June after more than 40 years in the fire service.

East Pierce Commissioner Chair Dale Mitchell says that the board was impressed with the variety of Backer’s experience. In addition to his current position, Backer served as deputy chief for Woodinville Fire and Life Safety for over nine years. Prior to that, he was with King County Fire District 45, in Duvall, Washington, where he began his career as a firefighter, eventually advancing through the ranks to fire chief.

Backer has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Washington University; a Master of Science degree in Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona; and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

“Bud is skilled in all aspects of the job. He embodies all the things we are looking for,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell noted that the decision wasn’t an easy one. The selection process began with an initial list of 21 qualified candidates. “The inclusive process for selecting a new chief included input from both the community and fire district personnel,” says Mitchell. After narrowing the search to five candidates, the public was invited to meet and critique the front runners last Monday. The next day, the applicants underwent a rigorous interview process that involved elected and appointed officials from each of the cities within the East Pierce jurisdiction, including Bonney Lake, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Edgewood and Milton.

“We’re striving to have the agreement drafted and settled in time for the regular Board of Commissioner’s meeting on May 19,” says Mitchell. A start date for the new chief will be announced at that time.