FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL EDITION

JIM FOSSOS

“These are the times that try men's souls.”
― Thomas Paine

Jim Fossos has passed away on January 19th, 2022

James A. Fossos, currently our Deputy Vice President, West, and candidate for President for 2019-2021, is in the hospital. His family requested that his name be removed from the upcoming ballot so that his recovery is priority.

We wish Jim and his family the best in this trying time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

While Jim mends, this leaves the ballot position of President open. I encourage all members with the time and means to consider stepping forward to run. Please contact our Nominating Committee Chair, Elmer J. Hawkins as soon as possible. His phone is 386-679-3814. email EHAWKINS23@AOL.COM

Please contact Elmer by Thursday, March 28.

Semper Fi, Jim

Jerry Johs
President
First Marine Division Association

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Semper Fidelis

1st Marine Division Association <geronamo0122@gmail.com>  4:34 PM 3/20/2019

To floyd@weststpaulantiques.com

Last Update 1/26/22

1:40  PM

New Updates to Jim's Webpage

South King Fire & Rescue, WA

James A. Fossos

James Fossos was originally elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners of KCFD 26 in 1993, he was re-elected in 1999, and in 2005 moving onto the current Board of Fire Commissioners of South King Fire and Rescue. He was re-elected in 2011 and 2017. His current term expires December 31, 2023. Jim started his fire service career with the Seattle Fire Department in January of 1970 as a firefighter. Prior to becoming a Seattle firefighter, Jim served proudly as a US Marine in the Vietnam War. He has an associate degree from Seattle Community College in Fire Command and Administration and Supervisory and Management. Jim also currently serves as board secretary with the Board of Directors of the Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Fire Commissioner. South King Fire and Rescue leads the way and I am extremely proud to be a member of this high caliber Fire Department that truly serves the many needs of the community we serve. When you call we will be there.

James A. Fossos

SKFR Fire Commissioner

I am endorsing Roger Flygare for SKFR Fire Commissioner for the following reasons:  He is above reproach with honor and integrity serving as his mantra.  

 

Roger is an honored combat Veteran of the Vietnam War and knows and understands public service.  Today he serves as the JAG and Service Officer for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1741.

2015

South King Fire and Rescue board of commissioners

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Position 5: James Fossos (56.23 percent) over Jerry Galland (43.4 percent). Fossos was originally elected in 1993, starting in Des Moines before the merger that created SKFR.    More Info Click Here

Candidates
2017 general election

South King Fire & Rescue
Commissioner Position 5


James A. Fossos

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20730 7th Avenue S

Des Moines, WA 98198

(206) 518-7075

 jafossos@gmail.com
Education: No information submitted.
Occupation: No information submitted.
Statement: 

James A Fossos was originally elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners of KCFD 26 in 1993, he was re-elected in 1999, and in 2005 and  moving to our current Board of Fire Commissioners of South King Fire and Rescue. He was re-elected in 2011.   Jim began his fire service career with the Seattle Fire Department in January of 1970 as a firefighter. Prior to becoming a Seattle firefighter, Jim served proudly as a US Marine in the Vietnam War. He has an associate degree from Seattle Community College in Fire Command and Administration and Supervisory and Management. Jim  currently serves as Vice President of the Retired FireFighter"s of Wasington. Jim was recently elected Deputy Vice President of the 1st Marine Division Association.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as your Fire Commissioner. South King Fire and Rescue leads the way In The Fire Service and I am extremely proud to be a member of this high caliber Fire Department that truly serves the many needs of the community we serve. When you call we will be there.  James A Fossos jfossos@aol.com

South King Fire and Rescue changes gun policy | Public may now carry on district property


The South King Fire and Rescue board of commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to change a policy that banned the public from carrying guns on fire district property.

Gun advocate Jim Beal talks with South King Fire Commissioner James Fossos at last Thursday’s special meeting. The commissioners changed a policy to allow the public to carry guns on district property.

 

The public may now carry guns on the property of South King Fire and Rescue after a policy banning the practice was changed by the board of commissioners.

 

The commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to revise a longstanding gun policy for employees and the public. The revised policy still prohibits South King employees from carrying guns while on the job.

 

The legality of the policy had been questioned in recent weeks by members of the public and attracted the attention of gun enthusiasts. Three men attended the meeting openly carrying guns/pistols. They were prepared to ask the commissioners to change the policy.

 
 

Fire Chief Al Church said the policy was revised after the district reviewed similar policies held by the cities of Federal Way and Des Moines. He said that no threats — legal or otherwise — had been made against the department, but that the policy had been talked about on pro-gun websites.

 

“While we feel our old policy was legal,” Church said, “we think it makes sense to make a change that’s more in line with the other cities’ policies.”

Election forum:

South King Fire commissioner candidates

The failure of 2010’s proposed service benefit charge (also known as Prop. 1) shaped much of the conversation during the Oct. 12 candidates forum at Federal Way High School’s little theater.

A forum for South King Fire commissioner candidates was held Oct. 12. Pictured left to right: Mark Thompson

 

The failure of 2010’s proposed service benefit charge (also known as Prop. 1) shaped much of the conversation during the Oct. 12 candidates forum at Federal Way High School’s little theater.

 

There are two contested races for South King Fire and Rescue’s board of commissioners. Mark Thompson is facing Timolin Abrom for position 4; Jim Fossos and Jerry Galland seek position 5. Abrom did not participate in the forum, but Thompson still answered questions from the moderator.

 

Commissioners serve six-year terms. Both Fossos and Thompson are longtime incumbents as well as former career firefighters.

 
 

Fossos says this experience is key because he knows what firefighters need and how they think. Fossos was originally elected in 1993, starting in Des Moines before the merger that created SKFR. He has served on a number of firefighter-related state boards, and has financial experience from serving as chair and secretary on the board of the Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. He is a former Marine and Vietnam veteran who spent three decades in the Seattle Fire Department. He is involved in the county’s homeland security and emergency management committees.

 

Thompson was first elected in 1999, and is deputy fire marshal for King County Fire Marshal Office. He has served on multiple state fire boards and commissions, and educates new fire commissioners. Thompson spent 25 years as a firefighter in Seattle, and also served in Edgewood. He said SKFR is at a financial crossroads and he can help it meet future challenges.

 

Galland has no fire-related experience, but regularly attends fire board commissioner meetings and blogs online about the fire district. He said he can read budgets and knows what’s going on. He is a 34-year employee of Boeing, a prolific blood donor and a small sand-carving business owner. As a self-appointed watchdog, Galland publicly criticizes the fire district’s expenditures and challenges procedures. Despite a perceived contentious relationship, Galland said he is committed to working with the board and, if elected, will support measures that pass.

 

The hottest topic at the forum was the proposed service benefit charge from 2010. Rejected by voters, the charge would have supplemented the fire district’s income from property taxes, which have plummeted in recent years.

 

Galland, who mounted a campaign to help defeat the service benefit charge, said the measure should go back on the ballot. He said the fire district should put a cap on the money it is allowed to collect from taxpayers. Fossos and Thompson argued against capping the service benefit charge, saying such a limit would be a hindrance because of the fluctuating costs and demand for fire service equipment. Fossos and Thompson said there’s a need to educate the public on the importance of properly funding their fire district.

 

Galland argued that the fire district has not been adversely affected by the measure’s failure. Fossos and Thompson refuted his points, saying an aid car has been removed from service and response times have increased.

 

If re-elected, Fossos promises to pursue the completion of a proposed training facility in Federal Way. He also wants to search for a funding mechanism for the district and put extra firefighters on every rig. If re-elected, Thompson would like to see the installation of residential sprinklers across the city. He also wants to see that the fire district earns national accreditation, which leads to lower insurance costs. If elected, Galland would seek a public vote on the proposed training facility, and promises more public transparency in the fire district’s business.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Jim's Photo Albums

Part 1 of 2

For Part 2 of 2

New UpDates

Jim

James A. "Jim" Fossos Passed Away on January 19th, 2022 He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. We give thanks for Jim's life. 

His understanding of a balanced budget, running an efficient and cost effective business and how to work together as a team are assets that are hard to find. 

 

He is well known for his integrity and honesty by many elected officials as well as members in the business community.  Roger knows how to get things done and will work tirelessly for our FIRE DISTRICT. 

 

He also serves as president of two non-profits, the Association of Washington Generals and the Washington Freelance Shorthand Reporters

New Updates

Former South King Fire Commissioner James Fossos dies at 75
Fossos served as a fire commissioner for over 27 years.

He died on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 at age 75 Click Here for more Info.

Company

BRAVO COMPANY JAN. 66 - NOV. 67 TEAM: BULLRUSH & CHARGE SHEET

Jim was a proud and dedicated Marine, Jim served with Bravo Company.

Obituary

Coming Soon