That's So Auburn!

Talking fire safety, preparedness, with VRFA Chief Brad Thompson

Mayor Nancy Backus is joined this episode by Valley Regional Fire Authority Chief Brad Thompson! Why is he on the show today? Because we want to talk about fire safety, fire preparedness, and fill you in on some of the recent happenings at the fire authority, which services Auburn in addition to Algona and Pacific. Chief Thompson began his firefighting career in 1999, at the then-Auburn Fire Department. Since that time, he's worked his way through the ranks, gaining experience in nearly every facet of the fire service – from public education to technical rescue to planning and logistics. He was appointed Fire Chief in 2021, and brings with him not only a deep understanding of our local communities, but also a strong focus on collaboration, communication, and innovation. He's here today to share some insights, offer some practical tips to keep you and your family safe, and give us a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work being done by the VRFA.

How Auburn prepares for every emergency under the mountain

Hello and welcome to episode six of our third season of That's So Auburn! In this episode we're joined by two guests in our City of Auburn Emergency Management division, brand new Emergency Manager Matthew Colpitts and Emergency Management Coordinator Tyler Turner. Matthew is just a few weeks into the job, having joined us July 1, but he brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his over 20 years of experience in emergency management. He earned his doctorate in 2014, with a dissertation focused on senior leadership's perceptions of emergency management in higher education. Previously, he served as the Emergency Preparedness Manager at the University of Washington Bothell, where he oversaw campus emergency operations, preparedness training, incident response, and recovery efforts. In his free time, Matt enjoys traveling and learning new things. A fun fact about him: he's a proud nerd who still plays Dungeons & Dragons! Which I can't wait to ask him about. And Tyler has over 15 years of cumulative Emergency Management & Emergency Services experience. He received his undergrad in Homeland Security & Emergency Management in 2015 from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He started with the City of Auburn in 2014, and prior to that, worked as a Paramedic throughout the state of Alaska, including remote areas on the North Slope and on offshore vessels in the Arctic. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his Wife, Molly, and two Daughters, Emersyn & Maisie. Give the episode a listen and don't forget to like, share and subscribe!

Meet the Magic Makers: The Women Behind Auburn's Biggest Events

Hello and welcome to episode four of our third season of That's So Auburn! I'm Nancy Backus, Mayor of the City of Auburn, and today I'm joined by two guests, Interim Events Supervisor Kristy Pachciarz and Events Coordinator Amanda Valdez! They're the brainpower behind many of our events organized by our Parks, Arts and Recreation department, such as Veterans Parade, Petpalooza, KidsDay, Lighted Santa Parade and of course, the Auburn Farmers Market. Kristy has been with the City of Auburn since 2006. It wasn't long after she joined our ranks that she created Petpalooza, one of the premiere pet-related events in South King County, let alone the State of Washington. She's also had a hand in creating half a dozen others, like Daddy Daughter Date Night and Peter Cotton Trail. She organizes the Veterans Parade each and every year, alongside a handful of other major events, so she's quite busy just about every day of the year. Amanda joined the City of Auburn in 2015 and since becoming a coordinator in 2016, has overseen the Auburn Farmers Market each and every summer. She's helped shepherd the market into a premiere shopping experience for our Auburn residents and visitors, bringing fresh produce, craft-made items, delicious sweets and more to thousands of our patrons. She also oversees our Lighted Santa Parade, one of my favorite events of the year. I just love seeing all of the people march down to City Hall and stand in awe as our tree lighter flips the switch. Give us a listen and don't forget to like, share and subscribe!

Catching up with Green River College President Dr. Suzanne Johnson

Welcome to episode 3 of our third season of That's so Auburn! I'm joined today – again – by Green River College President Dr. Suzanne Johnson to talk higher education, new initiatives, the changing educational landscape, and so much more. Dr. Johnson joined Green River College in 2017 and in those 8 years, has been a major driving force in keeping higher education a backbone of the Auburn community. Under her stewardship, Green River College has thrived and continues to be one of the premiere community and technical colleges in the State of Washington. And might I add – it's my daughter and I's alma mater!

Celebrating Public Safety Telecommunicators with a lifelong telecommunicator

We're joined by Vonnie Mayer, the Executive Director of Valley Com 911, who brings nearly 40 years of experience in emergency communications and public safety. She began her career in the late 1980s as one of the first civilian dispatchers at the Angle Lake Fire Department and joined Valley Com 911 in 1993. Known for her people-driven leadership, Vonnie fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and operational excellence. As a mentor and advocate, Vonnie prioritizes employee growth, wellness, and resilience, firmly believing that people are the heart of public service. Her unwavering dedication has made her a respected and influential leader in the emergency communications industry. When she's not leading with purpose, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends on Lake Tapps. There's so much more to Vonnie's journey, so get listening!