Mark Thompson was originally elected in November 1999, re-elected in November 2005, current term expires December 31, 2011. He became a Fire Commissioner for Federal Way Fire Department on January 1, 2000, and filled the position held by retiring Commissioner Bill Martin. His reason for running was to provide input into the system which bestows quality emergency services and to ensure that the organization attain a new Insurance Rating Classification for our community. Interaction with our public partners is of paramount concern in order to make sure the communities that South King Fire and Rescue serve have uninterrupted service during natural and manmade disasters or incidents; and that we inform our citizen customers what they can do to help themselves during disasters of all types.

Mark has been involved with the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association Board of Directors for last 7 years as the Regional Director representing Region 6, which encompasses all fire districts in King County. He is also involved with the King County Fire Commissioners Association and has been instrumental in developing and teaching a Fire Commissioner 101 classes for all newly elected or appointed fire commissioners in King and surrounding counties.

Mark attended the Bates Technical College Fire Service Training program and became a Resident Volunteer fire fighter with Fire District 32, Redondo-Mirror Lake, at the fire station on SW 312th St. and attained the rank of Captain. He also worked as a Fire Fighter and as a Lieutenant in the Seattle Fire Department Fire Alarm Center, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, West Seattle, SODO Industrial area, and Downtown. Mark was also assigned for a time on the Fireboats Duwamish, Alki and Chief Seattle. He was active member in the Seattle Fire Department for 25 1/2 years. Mark has also served as the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief for the Edgewood Fire Department until 1996 and was actively involved in Pierce county and Zone wide Emergency Management.

Mark has lived in the 5 Mile Lake area for the last 30 years, has been married for 34 years and is active in the Lifespring Four Square church. Mark and his wife are raising a 12 year old grandson who is active in church, baseball and golf. They all love to camp, hunt and fish when we can.