Mark Peterson is the new chief of Renton’s Fire and Emergency Services Department, effective immediately.

A 30-year veteran of the department, Peterson has served as interim chief since January, after fire chief I. David Daniels took a similar post in Woodinville.

“Chief Peterson has a long and outstanding history with our fire department,” said Mayor Denis Law.  “He is one of the finest fire professionals in our region, a proven leader, and has the management skills to effectively lead the department through the coming years.”

As chief, Peterson will oversee 152 personnel who provide fire services for Renton and two neighboring fire districts. The department also provides emergency medical, fire rescue, hazardous material response and emergency management services to more than 110,000 residents.

“It is an honor and privilege to accept the position of Fire Chief for the City of Renton,” said Peterson. “I am committed to providing leadership to our Fire and Emergency Services Department and to working closely with my colleagues in other city departments to serve our community and provide the finest fire, emergency medical, life safety and emergency preparedness services.”

Peterson is a long-time resident of east Renton, where he lives with his wife Kelly. He has two daughters. He joined the Renton Fire Department in 1980 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in management from Bellevue University. He has risen through the ranks from firefighter to his current position of deputy chief. During the course of his career he has provided leadership in many different divisions of the fire department, where he has been responsible for fire suppression, support services, training, fire prevention, and public information, as well as the direct oversight of response operations. 

Peterson will be formally recognized by the Renton City Council on April 5.