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Commissioners
Active Commissioners
| Greg Baruso Chair (as of 1/25/2024) | Commissioner Baruso was elected in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board. His current term expires December 31, 2029. He is a retired 36-year firefighter and currently works for the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office in Olympia holding the position of Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal in the Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section. Some of his experience includes being a member of the Federal Way City Council, Citizens Committee for Federal Way Public Schools, Washington State Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety, and the City of Federal Way's Diversity Commission and Independent Salary Commission. He has served the Federal Way community in many volunteer aspects and looks forward to serving on the South King Fire Commission. Commissioner Baruso is a long-time resident of Federal Way and is married with three grown children. His current term expires December 31, 2029. | |
| Caroline Vadino Vice Chair (as of 1/25/2024) | Caroline Vadino was elected in 2021. Her current term began in January 2022. Caroline Vadino was elected in 2021. Caroline Vadino is a longtime resident of the district. She attended Washington State University completing a degree in finance and now works as an accountant in the healthcare industry. Caroline enjoys volunteering in the community. She is a 4-H leader in King County and a member of the Federal Way Performing Arts Foundation Board. Her current term expires December 31, 2027. | |
| Craig Burrus Commissioner | Craig Burrus was elected in November 2023. His current term expires December 31, 2029. Craig Burrus began his career with Federal Way Fire Department in April 15, 1991. Craig served in several capacities as a Firefighter and as a Deputy Fire Marshal. During his 28 years at South King Fire he was also part of our Technical Rescue team. He retired on February 1, 2019. his current term expires December 31, 2029. | |
| Bill Fuller Commissioner | Bill Fuller was elected in November 2015 and re-elected in 2021. His current term expires December 31, 2027. Bill and his family have been residents of Federal Way since 1977. He was a wood and pulp and paper technologist at the Weyerhaeuser Technology Center for 35 years and a consultant in the pulp and paper industry for 20 years. While at Weyerhaeuser he was the Technology Safety and Occupational Health Director. He instructed Safety Management at the Evergreen Safety Council for 10 years. Bill was an active member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry receiving their 1995 Distinguished Service Award. At the University of Washington, he was an affiliate professor and active in the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation that awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 | |
| Martese Monroe Commissioner (picture coming) | Martese Monroe was elected in November 2025. She has a strong background in finance and a long-standing commitment to volunteerism. She brings extensive experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and strategic planning, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making. Earlier in her career, she founded a nonprofit focused on youth volunteerism and community engagement, reflecting her dedication to service and giving back. As a mother and firefighter’s spouse, Martese understands the importance of safety, strong leadership, and responsive emergency services. She is passionate about supporting families, listening carefully, and helping ensure the fire district is well-equipped to meet the community’s evolving needs. Her current term expires December 31, 2031. |
Former Commissioners
| Mark Thompson was originally elected in November 1999 and re-elected in 2005, 2011 and 2017. His last term expired December 31, 2023. | |
| David Berger was appointed on March 23, 2020, and re-elected in 2021. His term expired December 31, 2023. | |
| William (Bill) Gates was originally elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2007, 2013, and 2019. His last term expired December 31, 2025. |
Overview
South King Fire Board of Fire Commissioners is comprised of five elected fire commissioners. Each fire commissioner is elected for six years through the King County Office of Elections.