Councilmember Dunn turns over “retired” County van to Renton Fire Department’s Explorer program

October 31, 2012

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn today handed the Renton Fire Department the keys to their new van.

“I am very pleased to partner with the Renton Fire Department and their Explorer program and hand over this great looking van to this worthy organization,” said Dunn. “This van will help them better facilitate the program and teach local youth about the importance of serving their communities.”

“On behalf of the Explorers from Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department, I would like to thank Councilmember Dunn for the donation of the van,” said Renton Fire Chief Mark Peterson. “By promoting the Explorer program through the use of this van, it will provide opportunities for our area youth to learn about a career in the fire & emergency services.”

Last month, the County Council unanimously approved sending more than two dozen King County “retirees” to second careers of helping transport county residents. The Council adopted a motion donating 27 retired Metro Vanpool vans to provide transportation assistance to local governments, community programs, senior citizens and young people.

The retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet for at least six years and have reached the end of their service life. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus. The vehicles that are not donated are sold.

Since 1995, the County Council has been donating retired vans from Metro’s Vanpool program to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults, and senior citizens. Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Dunn for more information on applying for a vehicle.



Councilmember Dunn is joined by Renton City Council President Rich Zwicker (left), Renton Fire Chief Mark Peterson (right) and members of the Renton Fire Department. Dunn was delivering a retired King County Metro Vanpool van to the RFD, which will be used for the department’s Explorer Program.