SBFD Chiefs


“It been a pleasure to work with the fine folks in the department over the years and watch it grow into a very professional organization serving our citizens today!”

Fire Chief
Brian VanCamp

Chief VanCamp has been a member of the South Bay Fire Department since 1973. He promoted through the ranks of the District from volunteer Firefighter to Deputy Chief, before being appointed as volunteer Fire Chief in 1996. In 1999 he was hired as the District’s first full-time career Fire Chief.

Chief VanCamp was instrumental in the development of the Thurston Fire & Rescue Training Consortium (and is its present Chair) and currently serves as the Past-President of the Thurston County Association of Fire Chiefs. He is also a member of the South Puget Sound Community College Fire & Emergency Services Technology Advisory Board and the Thurston County Medic One Operations Committee.

Brian is a graduate of Washington State University, the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program and has received the Chief Fire Officer Designation.

Chief VanCamp is a Thurston County “Thurstoneer” as his ancestor Franz family were pioneers in the Lacey area. He is married and has a daughter attending college.

In his spare time, he likes travel, fine dining and outdoors activities. He is also interested in railroading hobbies including modeling, history and photography.

“It been a pleasure to work with the fine folks in the department over the years and watch it grow into a very professional organization serving our citizens today!”


Welcome to our website. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer give me a call and I will be happy to set a station tour and inform you about our program.

Assistant Chief
Greg Thompson

Chief Thompson has been with the South Bay Fire Department since 1992. He grew up on Johnson Point, attended college and earned a degree in Fire Protection Technology and Fire Command Administration.

His primary duties are Operations, Training, and Volunteer Recruitment and Retention.

“Welcome to our website. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer give me a call and I will be happy to set a station tour and inform you about our program.” 


“If you’re interested in serving your community, our incentives, outstanding training and fun atmosphere help to make it worth your time. We look forward to having you join our great Department!”

Assistant Chief
Greg Kessel

Chief Kessel has been with the South Bay Fire Department for over 20 years. He’s lived in the South Bay area since 1984; began his volunteer career with the Department in 1987; then was hired as a full time employee in 1993. His primary duties are Facilities and Apparatus Maintenance as well as coordinating the Department’s Safety Program.

Greg has three wonderful kids, two of which are attending college and one who is a student at North Thurston High School. In his spare time he enjoys camping, boating, motorcycle riding, gardening and spending time with his family.

Chief Kessel also works as an assistant football coach for a local high school and a high school wrestling referee.

“The South Bay Fire Department is a terrific place to volunteer! If you’re interested in serving your community, our incentives, outstanding training and fun atmosphere help to make it worth your time. We look forward to having you join our great Department!”