It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Vashon Island Fire Commissioner John Simonds. Commissioner Simonds passed away on March 13, 2023. John was a passionate and dedicated fire commissioner with a mission to improve the safety of Vashon residents and the safety and health of our Vashon Fire and Rescue members and staff. He has been an island resident since 2009, and was elected to serve as a Fire Commissioner in 2021. John was instrumental with advancing the administration and operations of the fire district, and successfully advocated to increase our staffing levels to keep our community and firefighters safe.
On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Chief Vinci, and the dedicated staff and members of Vashon Island Fire and Rescue, we will do everything possible to support Commissioner Simonds’ family during this difficult time. We ask the Vashon community to keep the Simonds family in your thoughts and prayers. We will honor Commissioner Simonds’ legacy and will share the details of the services when they are made available.
Pam King
Commissioner VIFR
pamk@vifr.org