5 Essential Facts About East Pierce Fire & Rescue's 2025 Overhaul: New Stations, 24/7 Staffing, And Strategic Growth

The East Pierce Fire & Rescue (EPFR) is undergoing one of its most significant periods of expansion and modernization in its history, with major infrastructure changes and strategic planning initiatives coming to fruition in late 2024 and throughout 2025. These developments are crucial for the safety and emergency response capabilities of communities across Pierce County, Washington. With a new $24 million headquarters now operational and a critical staffing upgrade at one of its key facilities, the department is positioning itself for the next quarter-century of service, directly impacting residents in areas like Bonney Lake, Sumner, and the Lake Tapps region.

As of December 15, 2025, the latest updates confirm a critical operational enhancement: Station 117 is officially staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a major boost to emergency medical services and fire response times in its coverage area. This staffing change, combined with the successful passage of key funding measures and the unveiling of a new strategic vision, underscores EPFR's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in emergency services for the growing East Pierce region. The department’s focus remains firmly on enhancing its operational divisions, from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Fire Prevention and Emergency Management.

The Core Mission & Key Facts of East Pierce Fire & Rescue

East Pierce Fire & Rescue is a combination fire district that serves a large, diverse population in the eastern parts of Pierce County, Washington. The department was officially created in 2000 through the merger of several smaller entities, including the City of Bonney Lake Fire Department, Pierce County Fire District 22 (Lake Tapps Fire), and Pierce County Fire District 24.

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The organization is structured to handle a wide range of emergencies, operating through six main divisions: Operations, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Training, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, and Administration. This comprehensive structure ensures that every aspect of public safety, from immediate emergency response to long-term community risk reduction, is covered.

• Jurisdiction: Covers approximately 87 square miles in Pierce County, including the cities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, and the surrounding unincorporated areas.
• Formation Milestone: Established in 2000, and is now celebrating its 25th year of service with the launch of its new strategic plan.
• Personnel: All EPFR firefighters are certified as either Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics, allowing them to respond effectively to both medical emergencies and fire incidents.
• Funding Structure: The department’s day-to-day operations, including firefighter salaries, equipment maintenance, and utilities, are primarily funded through a regular fire levy.
• Leadership: The department is overseen by an Executive Staff, which manages the six specialized divisions to ensure coordinated and efficient service delivery.

The department's history is marked by a commitment to consolidation and modernization, which has allowed it to keep pace with the rapid population growth in the East Pierce region. This focus on efficiency is evident in its recent infrastructure projects and its ongoing effort to secure stable funding for essential services.

Major Infrastructure & Funding Milestones (2024-2025)

The period from 2024 to 2025 has been transformational for EPFR, highlighted by two major infrastructure projects and the successful navigation of a critical funding measure.

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The $24 Million Headquarters and Station 111

A significant achievement for the department is the completion and full occupancy of the new Headquarters/Station 111 in Bonney Lake, Washington. This state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in the future of emergency response for the region. The duty crew has begun responding directly from the new Bonney Lake headquarters, which is a key central hub for the entire fire district. The new station is designed to improve operational efficiency and provide a modern, seismically sound base for administrative, training, and emergency operations.

Station 117 Achieves 24/7 Staffing

Perhaps the most critical operational update for the community is the announcement in July 2025 that Station 117 is now staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This upgrade from previous staffing levels dramatically enhances the department's ability to provide rapid response to emergencies in the area served by Station 117. For residents, this means quicker arrival times for both fire and medical incidents, a direct result of the department's efforts to optimize its personnel deployment.

The Impact of Proposition 1

The department’s ability to fund these improvements and maintain high service levels was secured by the successful passage of Proposition 1 in the May 2024 Special Election. The certification of the results confirmed that the funding measure passed, providing essential financial stability for the fire district. Local fire levies, like the one proposed in Proposition 1, are vital for funding the day-to-day operating expenses of the department, which include firefighter salaries, vehicle maintenance, and the construction of new buildings. While the department has faced challenges with levy failures in the past, the 2024 success ensures critical resources remain available for the community.

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Strategic Vision and Community Excellence

Looking ahead, East Pierce Fire & Rescue is not resting on its recent successes. The department is actively engaged in planning the future of its services, while also celebrating the excellence of its current staff.

The 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

The department is currently on the brink of a major organizational milestone: its 25th anniversary of serving the East Pierce community. To mark this occasion and guide its future, EPFR is developing its Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. This plan is designed to be a comprehensive roadmap that addresses future staffing needs, financial forecasts (including the levy timeline), and how the department will continue to evolve from the consolidation of smaller districts over the past two and a half decades. The strategic plan will focus on maintaining and improving service delivery, especially in the face of a growing population and increasing call volumes.

Honoring Dedication: The 2024 Annual Awards

The quality of service provided by EPFR is consistently recognized through its annual awards program. In 2024, the department honored several individuals for their outstanding contributions. Notably, Jim Landefeld was recognized as the EMS Provider of the Year, highlighting the critical role that Emergency Medical Services play in the department's mission. Other awards included the Fitness Award, presented to Andrew Craig, and the Mike Roberts Goodwill Award, which was given to Jason. These awards underscore the dedication and professionalism of the EPFR personnel, who are the backbone of the region's emergency response system.

The department's commitment extends beyond routine calls, as evidenced by its response to significant incidents, such as a fatal barn fire in Buckley and a structure fire that shut down a major roadway, Valley Avenue East, demonstrating their readiness for complex and high-stakes situations.

The Future of Emergency Services in Pierce County

The recent developments at East Pierce Fire & Rescue paint a clear picture of a forward-thinking, resilient organization dedicated to public safety. The combination of a new, state-of-the-art headquarters (Station 111), the critical operational upgrade of Station 117 to 24/7 staffing, and the financial stability provided by the successful Proposition 1 vote ensures the department is well-equipped for the immediate future. As EPFR implements its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, the focus will be on leveraging these new resources to enhance response times, improve training, and continue fostering a culture of excellence in emergency medical services and fire suppression across the entire East Pierce County area.