In 1997 we forged our bond by combining our separate FEMA Project Impact grants into one pot to work together on regional projects. The largest one of those being the Port to Port Seismic Study of the bridges on the key North-South routes between the two ports. It was though this joint collaboration that we formed a long and lasting relationship.
The announcement that I've copied into this blog post below doesn't tell the full story of the powerhouse of a local agency that he has put together over the years. Besides emergency management he has a radio shop, the Fire Marshall's Office, the 911 Administrative program and EMT/Paramedic certification (if that is the right term) for Pierce County. All told there is around 65 people, who can all be called upon in an emergency to respond to a disaster.
He isn't gone just yet, but I can see him hitching up the fifth wheel now... We wish him and wife Diane all the best in the years ahead!
After 15 years with Pierce County Emergency Management and a distinguished 40-plus years in public safety, Steve Bailey is announcing his retirement. His last day with the county will be January 11, 2013.
Steve came to Pierce County from the Seattle Fire Department, where he served more than 27 years. His retirement from SFD was short-lived. When the opportunity presented itself to lead the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Steve was very excited about the chance to continue his commitment to public safety in Pierce County.
Some highlights from Steve’s tenure include: becoming one of only five local agencies in the country to achieve national accreditation; developing the funding and construction of a regional Emergency Operations Center; beginning implementation of the South Sound 911 public safety 700 MHz radio system approved by the voters; and the establishment of the Pierce County Neighborhood Emergency Team Program, with close to 600 neighborhoods and 10,000 trained community volunteers to serve as the first line of defense in an emergency or disaster incident.
Former Executive Chief of Staff Lyle Quasim was a great mentor to Steve for more than half of Steve’s 15-year career with the county. “Steve has two great characteristics, affirmation and irritation … and he allows you to choose the one you want,” said Lyle with the chuckle many of us remember so fondly.
Steve is also the sponsoring agency chief of Washington Task Force 1, (WA-TF1) one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 28 national urban search and rescue teams. He also established and was appointed chair of the Pierce County Terrorism Early Warning and Response Task Force and the Pierce County Homeland Security Regional Coordination Council, which manages all homeland security grants and programs in Pierce County.
"Steve has focused on developing an outstanding team of professionals who deliver necessary services quickly and efficiently - and usually in very difficult circumstances," said County Executive Pat McCarthy. "Pierce County residents and businesses are safer because of Steve's dedication to Emergency Management."
He has been responsible for implementing numerous national and international award-winning programs and best practices. “With all of his credentials and a tremendous list of accomplishments, Steve’s focus is always on the people and he constantly strives to somehow make a difference in their lives,” said Jody Woodcock, deputy director of DEM. “He has taught our staff that there must be value in what we do and there is nothing more important than working with people face-to-face. Those two elements alone will leave a lasting legacy with Pierce County Emergency Management.”
Steve is looking forward to a three-month trip across the southern United States in his RV, working on the “honey do” list, and wine tasting everywhere and anywhere he can.
