SERVANT LEADERSHIP
I’m proud to call this corner of Washington home — with its beautiful parks, strong neighborhoods, outstanding school district, and the best fire district around.
My name is Justin Evans, and I currently serve as the appointed Commissioner for Position 3 with East Pierce Fire & Rescue. I’m now running to be elected to continue that service.
My commitment to public service runs deep. In high school, I planned to serve in the Armed Forces, but medical challenges changed that path. After 9/11, still feeling the call to serve, I became a Volunteer Firefighter and EMT with District 44. I trained at the academy in January 2002 and spent five years as a resident volunteer at Stations 92, 93, and 96. Two decades later, it remains one of the greatest honors of my life.
In addition to my fire service, I spent 8 years on the Bonney Lake City Council, working to make our city a place we’re all proud to live, work, and raise our families. Now, as a father to an 11-year-old in 6th grade, I want to bring that same passion, experience, and steady leadership to support and strengthen our Fire District.
I believe in a level-headed approach to public safety—one rooted in consistent training, seamless care, fiscal responsibility, and full transparency. My experience in city government, nonprofit leadership, and fire service has taught me that great communities are built by focusing on core services and by listening first.
It’s been an honor to serve as a public servant these last ten years. I’d be grateful for your continued trust and your vote to keep serving with East Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Thank you.
"NOBODY CARES HOW MUCH YOU KNOW, UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE."
- THEODORE ROOSEVELT
COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY
In today’s ever-changing world, public safety is the foundation of every strong and thriving community. As an appointed Commissioner with East Pierce Fire & Rescue, I’ve seen firsthand the thoughtful planning, strategic direction, and tireless dedication it takes to keep our residents safe.
I’m committed to building on that foundation — ensuring that the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan don’t just stay on paper, but are put into action across the district.
Our community deserves a fire district that’s proactive, reliable, and ready for whatever comes next — one that not only responds in moments of crisis but prepares for the future through prevention, training, and smart planning. Public safety isn’t just about
emergencies — it’s about prevention, preparedness, and building a resilient community.
My commitment is simple: to help guide a fire district that is forward-thinking, transparent, and accountable — one that puts people first, every time.
A FIRE DISTRICT IS MORE THAN AN EMERGENCY RESPONCE UNIT, IT'S THE CORNER STONE OF COMMUNITY TRUST AND SAFETY.
COMMITMENT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
As a candidate for East Pierce Fire & Rescue Commissioner, I am committed to fiscal responsibility in every aspect of our fire district’s operations. Responsible management of taxpayer dollars is not only essential to the effective functioning of our fire district but also to maintaining public trust and ensuring the sustainability of our vital services for every community member, including our youth.
My goal is to make strategic, well-informed financial decisions that prioritize our community’s safety without unnecessary spending. This means a careful balance of addressing immediate needs while planning for the future, always ensuring that our frontline responders have the resources they need to protect our community effectively. I believe in transparent budgeting practices and regular assessments to ensure that every dollar invested serves our district’s mission and benefits our residents.
Additionally, I am dedicated to exploring opportunities for grants, partnerships, and innovative funding solutions that can expand resources without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Through collaboration, prudent budgeting, and accountability, I will work to create a resilient, efficient fire district that honors the community’s financial commitment and provides exceptional service for years to come.
"THE GREATNESS OF A COMMUNITY IS MOST ACCURATLY MEASURED BY THE COMMPASSIONATE ACTIONS OF IT'S MEMBERS"
- CORETTA SCOTT KING
STAFFING & RETENTION
The strength of East Pierce Fire & Rescue lies in its people. As a candidate for Fire Commissioner, I believe staffing and retention must be a top priority to ensure our community is protected by experienced, well-supported, and highly motivated first responders.
Our firefighters and EMS personnel face intense physical and emotional demands. We owe it to them — and to the public — to foster an environment that not only attracts top-tier talent but also retains and values those already serving. That starts with competitive wages, strong career development pathways, and robust mental health resources.
Today’s responders are being asked to do more than ever — from medical response and technical rescue to wildfire defense. That requires ongoing training, support, and a culture that values resilience as much as readiness.
I will advocate for programs that promote well-being, encourage work-life balance, and strengthen collaboration at every level. When we invest in our people, we invest in the safety and stability of our entire community.
By prioritizing staffing and retention, we build a department that’s not only prepared for the challenges of today — but also ready to lead us confidently into the future.
"FIREFIGHTERS ARE SOME OF THE MOST SELFLESS PUBLIC SERVANTS YOU WILL EVER ENCOUTNER."
- DENIS LEARY
ENDORSEMENTS
I am so grateful for the support of so many amazing community leaders,
firefighters and voters for their confidence in my service to the District.
East Pierce Firefighters Local 3520
Bud Backer, Fire Chief (Retired) - East Pierce Fire & Rescue
Randy Kroum, Fire Commissioner - East Pierce Fire & Rescue
Terry Carter, Mayor - City of Bonney Lake
Neil Johnson, Former Mayor - City of Bonney Lake
Mark Berry, Police Chief - Bonney Lake Police Department
Bryan Jeter, Police Chief (Retired) - Bonney Lake Police Department
Kathy Hayden, Mayor - City of Sumner
Bill Pugh, Former Mayor - City of Sumner
Cindi Hochstatter, Former City Councilmember - City of Sumner
Tom Watson, School Board - Sumner Bonney Lake School District
Stacey Crnich, CEO - GoodRoots Northwest
ABOUT ME
My name is Justin Evans, and I’m honored to be running for East Pierce Fire & Rescue Commissioner, Position 3.
I’m grateful every day for my family — my incredible wife, who serves our community through the School District, and our daughter, a proud 6th grader growing up right here in this community we love.
In May 2024, I was appointed to the East Pierce Board of Commissioners to continue the legacy of longtime Commissioner Mike Cathey. Before that, I served eight years on the Bonney Lake City Council, including time as Deputy Mayor. I chaired the Finance and Public Safety Committees and held leadership roles with the Pierce County Regional Council.
My public service extends across the region — as a voting member of the Puget Sound Regional Council, a board member of GoodRoots NW, Sumner Bonney Lake School District Bond Oversight Committee and as part of several citizen advisory boards supporting schools, public safety, and local infrastructure.
I’m committed to leading with balance, fairness, and collaboration — and to building a fire district that reflects the best of who we are as a community.
Thank you for your trust. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving with purpose and dedication.
"SERVICE TO OTHERS IS THE RENT YOU PAY
FOR YOUR ROOM HERE ON EARTH."
-MUHAMMAD ALI
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITH DEDICATION AND EXPERIENCE.
