Former Valley Regional Fire Administrator Eric Robertson has announced his candidacy for the open state representative position in the 31st Legislative District.

The incumbent, Seattle Police Officer Morgan Irwin, will not run for re-election this fall.

“I felt a ‘call to duty’ to serve the communities who gave so much to me over the years,” said Robertson, who is running as a Republican. “I spoke with local leaders I respect about these difficult times and decisions ahead and asked if my experience as a legislative leader could help, and was encouraged to run.

“I want to thank Rep. Irwin for his service, both to the district and to the people he protects every day as a police officer,” Robertson continued. “We owe him a debt of gratitude. I was once in a position similar to his as a state trooper and representative for the 31st District. I know the decision to not seek re-election must have been difficult.”

Robertson left the Legislature in 1998 after two terms. He said he fought for lower taxes and increased government accountability, and his colleagues elected him caucus chair. He retired from the VRFA 16 months ago.

Robertson grew up in Buckley and has lived all but four of his 56 years in the 31st District. He was a state trooper, a volunteer with Enumclaw-based Rescue One, Captain in the Washington State Patrol, was appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. Marshal for Western Washington, and ended his public safety career after 12 years at VRFA — 36 years of service in total.

He attended Green River Community College and City University and is a graduate of the Washington State Patrol Academy (1985) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (1999).

Robertson’s family has a history of public service. His late grandfather was a Buckley City Council member, and his father was a longtime city council member and mayor in their hometown.

Robertson is a member of the Auburn Noon Lions, where he serves on the Board of Directors. He has held various leadership positions in Lions, including as president in the 2009–2010 term. His work earned him “Lion of the Year” in 2011 for his volunteerism, where he was awarded Lions Clubs International’s highest honor in 2012 — being named a “Melvin Jones Fellow” in recognition of his humanitarian efforts in the community.

Robertson said he also been a champion for children, serving five years at Community in Schools Auburn, a dropout prevention tutoring program supporting the Auburn School District elementary and middle schools, including serving as board chairman.

Robertson is the father of five adult children and enjoys spending time with his five grandchildren.