Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier has been appointed as the alternate county government representative to the Washington State Emergency Management Council (EMC), effective Oct. 1 with a term running through Oct. 1, 2027.
This appointment follows the retirement of Wahkiakum County Commissioner Gene Strong and the advancement of Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias to the council’s primary representative role. The alternate county government representative position is one of 21 seats designated by state law, with appointment authority held by Major General Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington Military Department.
In his appointment letter, Welsh emphasized the need for diverse voices on the EMC to ensure decisions reflect all communities across Washington and build public trust.
Fournier brings decades of experience as a professional firefighter, former mayor of Tenino and current county commissioner. Appointment to the EMC represents a strong voice for Thurston County, where his firsthand experience as a firefighter and community leader will help ensure that local needs, from wildfire response to urban growth, are reflected in statewide emergency planning and preparedness.
“I am honored to serve alongside a dedicated and diverse group of professionals committed to strengthening emergency preparedness throughout Washington state,” Fournier said in a news release. “Emergency management is a shared responsibility, and I look forward to bringing Thurston County’s perspective to the council’s important work.”
The EMC advises the governor and the director of the Washington Military Department on statewide emergency management. Its mission is to promote, assess and report on emergency readiness to better prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards. The council represents a broad coalition including local governments, law enforcement, the military department, state agencies, fire departments, seismic safety experts, emergency management directors, search and rescue volunteers, medical professionals, and private industry.
The council envisions a Washington where citizens, infrastructure, and the economy remain safe and secure from emergencies.
“Our strength is in unity and preparation. I’m proud to serve on the Emergency Management Council to help ensure Washington’s communities are ready to face any challenge — together,” Fournier said.
