Message from the Fire Chief

A Word From Chief Gear

The Pasco Fire Department welcomes your interest and we encourage you to contact us should you have any questions. We are honored to provide the citizens of Pasco and the visitors to our city with emergency services and education. We recognize the trust you place in us and the responsibility we have in doing the right thing on every incident every day.

The Pasco Fire Department was established by council action on July 16, 1908 after a series of fires destroyed portions of the town. Our current responsibilities have expanded from the initial mission of fire suppression to include the efficient delivery of the many varied types of emergency services required today. We embrace the challenges and opportunities that are a part of a thriving community and strive to meet your needs within the financial capabilities of the City. The efforts of the Pasco Fire Department combined with the diligence of the citizenship have made Pasco a safe and prosperous community.

The fire department is an all-hazards organization that provides fire (structural and wildland), advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue (swiftwater, high and low angle rope, confined space, vehicle/machinery, and trench), hazardous materials, aircraft rescue and firefighting emergency services. We respond to over 5500 calls for service annually. Our goal is to arrive within 6 minutes of notification of the alarm.

We are an active community partner and have established many mutually beneficial relationships with other community organizations including the Pasco Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Franklin County Emergency Management, Franklin County Public Utilities District, Pasco School District, and Cascade Natural Gas Company. Our Community Risk Reduction program serves as an outreach to other community organizations such as homeowner's groups and other social networks and services.

The fire department is continually searching for opportunities to improve our services, promote efficiency, and increase community and firefighter safety. We are accomplishing these goals at a time when it is imperative to capitalize on every expenditure and opportunity. We have entered into collaborative efforts with neighboring fire agencies to facilitate and promote cost savings and improve effectiveness. We will continue to increase the commitment to collaboration as an avenue of fiscal efficiency, employee safety, and community service. We are confident that we can improve our services and are committed to community safety, firefighter safety, and financial stewardship.

We are dedicated to preserving the past, protecting the present and leading the future.

Chief Gear