Welcome to Skagit County

October 14, 2016

County appoints new interim Emergency Management director
Former director recently hired as new Deputy Fire Marshal

A new face is now leading the Skagit County Division of Emergency Management, as its former manager takes on a new role within the County.

In early September, Public Works Director Dan Berentson and the Emergency Management Council appointed Dave Walde, formerly the Engineering Construction Section Manager, to lead the Emergency Management Division in an interim capacity. Former manager Mark Anderson resigned the role to take a new position as the County’s Deputy Fire Marshal.

“Dave brings more than 30 years of first responder and emergency management experience to the table,” Berentson said. “We’re fortunate to have someone with his skills leading this division as we enter flood season.”
                                    
Walde has more than 30 years’ experience as a firefighter with Skagit County Fire District 3, including 14 years as Captain. He has also spent the past 30 years as a project manager for high-profile engineering projects, and has worked floods and weather emergencies, including all major floods on the Skagit River since 1986.

In his new role as Deputy Fire Marshal, former Emergency Management manager Anderson will oversee annual commercial fire system inspections, manage permits for outdoor burning, conduct arson investigations and more. He previously served as a deputy fire marshal for Pierce County, and as a city of Burlington fire chief.

Find more information about Skagit County’s Emergency Management Division online at http://skagitcounty.net/EmergencyManagement. Learn more about the Fire Marshal’s office at http://skagitcounty.net/FireMarshal.

For questions or more details, please contact Berentson, Public Works Director, at danb@co.skagit.wa.us or 360-416-1400.