Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) Chief Brad Thompson will retire at the end of June, capping a career that began with the Auburn Fire Department in 1999 and led to one of South King County’s top public safety leadership positions.

Thompson has served as the VRFA’s fire chief and administrator since Aug. 16, 2021, when he was appointed by the agency’s Board of Governance.

As chief, he has been responsible for the organization’s daily operations and strategic direction, ensuring the agency remained aligned with its mission, vision and values.

Thompson joined the legacy Auburn Fire Department in April 1999 after leaving a career in private industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gonzaga University and is a Certified Public Manager through the University of Washington.

When he was appointed fire chief in August 2021, Thompson said:

“Our communities are served by an outstanding team at the VRFA. We are enthusiastic about our future as we grow together and discover new ways to serve.”
Advertisement

Throughout his career, Thompson gained experience in multiple areas of the fire service, including public information and education, health and wellness, and agency accreditation programs.

After being promoted to captain in 2011, Thompson served on the Medical Program Specialist and Technical Rescue teams and later took on leadership responsibilities in planning and logistics as the agency’s planning captain. He was promoted to battalion chief in 2018 and deputy chief of operations in 2019.

As deputy chief, Thompson focused on succession planning, regional collaboration and public health initiatives. He also chaired the King County Zone 3 Operations Chiefs’ Committee, which works to enhance operational consistency among fire agencies throughout the region.

In addition to leading the Valley Regional Fire Authority, Thompson currently serves as president of the King County Fire Chiefs’ Association, a position he has held through 2025.

Thompson oversees a senior leadership team that includes two deputy fire chiefs, a chief financial officer and a human resources director. Together, they supervise divisions including the Fire Marshal’s Office, Training and Safety, Planning and Logistics, Information Services, Public Education and Information, CARES and Administrative Services. Fire suppression and emergency medical services operations are led by four shift battalion chiefs.

According to his biography on the VRFA website, Thompson believes in servant leadership and fostering a workplace culture where employees feel supported, valued and committed to the organization’s mission and values.