Chat With the Fire Chief: Shoreline Fire's Mark Bunje

How long have you worked for the Shoreline Fire Department?  Why did you become a firemen?

I started at Shoreline Fire as a volunteer over 25 years ago.   My  formal education was in industrial technology and marine engineering… and I was a licensed General Contractor for 20 years.  I was attracted to the fire department because of my desire, even back then, to serve the community and I had some good friends at Shoreline Fire who thought I would be a good fit.

You’ve been with the department for many years before taking on the job as chief last year. Why was it time to go for the chief’s job and how is It going so far?  

 In 2010, Chief Marcus Kragness retired and the Board of Commissioners expressed a strong desire to hire a new Chief from within.   I had been the Shoreline Fire Marshal for several years, and because of my longtime connection this fire department and this community, I felt it was my duty to offer to help fill the leadership role.  It was a challenge I was prepared for in some ways, and a responsibility that I felt compelled to fulfill.   So far,  I must say it is a HUGE responsibility and there are some very unique challenges in this economy.   But overall, I am motivated and inspired by the work of my colleagues – and I can honestly say this was the right thing to do – at the right time.

What are the main issues facing the Shoreline Fire Department now?

The economy, the economy and the economy.    The budgets for 2010 and 2011 have been my priority since day one – and that continues to be my main focus.   We are continuously looking for  ways to keep our current, excellent level of service, and to do so within our means – without having to reduce our ranks or sacrifice any vital functions.   We are looking at every possible trend, and every innovative idea  in the country – because all  public service agencies in the country are facing the same challenges.   I also have made improving  communication – inside and outside the Department, a major area of focus.

I want our citizens to consider us their neighbor and to know that we are doing all we can to serve and protect them.  We are also responsible for being prepared for major disasters and unforeseen emergencies – which we continue to do as part of our main mission:  saving lives and protecting property.

 Many public agencies say they are facing budget struggles. Is your department? 

Yes.  So far we have been able to tighten the budget without having to make cuts that affect response times, quality of service or personnel levels.  I believe we are running a lean—but efficient and dedicated operation.   The challenge is how to keep doing that, as the economy continues to slow and our revenue is further reduced.

 Shoreline provides services to Point Wells right now, but Snohomish County says their Fire District 16 will take over if the project is approved. What’s Shoreline Fire’s position on that? 

 I believe you mean Snohomish County Fire District 1 – which currently serves the nearby Town of Woodway.   Any major new Point Wells development is nearly a decade away – so for now I consider it premature to be talking about who will serve this area.   We will always be interested in finding ways to economically and cooperatively serve the community around us.   And we are always willing to talk and explore options with our mutual aid departments regionally.     

 How long will you be in Tanzania with the group Global Impact?  Are there other Shoreline F.D. personnel joining you?  Other citizens of Shoreline or LFP?

I will be in Tanzania for two weeks.   Global Impact is interested in recruiting other volunteers for their missions. At this time, no other Shoreline Fire personnel are going, as far as I know.   Citizens who are interested in this type of volunteer work should contact Global Impact and explore the possibilities.