Renton native and former NFL player Mkristo E. Bruce will fill a vacant seat on the King County Fire Protection District No. 47 Board of Commissioners.

On Feb. 25, the King County Council unanimously appointed Bruce to the board.

“I am thrilled to swear Mkristo in as Fire Commissioner,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “Fire districts are one of the most important local government institutions in our region because they keep people safe. Our community is extremely thankful for Mkristo’s willingness to serve in this important role.”

After two King County Fire District No. 4 commissioners resigned in December, the commission was left with only one active commissioner and no quorum making it unable to function as a government. According to state law, it became the responsibility of the King County Council to appoint a new commissioner to restore quorum.

“I greatly look forward to working with Mkristo Bruce to ensure the fire protection needs of our community are met and that our government operates effectively and efficiently in the coming years,” added Tracy Styles, King County Fire Protection District Commissioner, Position 1.

After graduating from Washington State University, Bruce signed as an undrafted free agent to the Miami Dolphins in 2007. The defensive end bounced around between a few NFL teams as well as other leagues before retiring from professional football. He now works as a mortgage loan originator for Guild Mortgage Company.

“Whether it’s on the football field or on a board of commissioners, my goal remains the same: to serve and strengthen my community,” Bruce said. “I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter and look forward to serving with the same passion and energy in this new role as I’ve demonstrated throughout my career.”

District No. 47 is located within the boundaries of King County Council District 9 and is headquartered in the unincorporated community of Kangley, serving surrounding rural communities.