Ronald Schmidt

A candidate for Spokane Valley Fire Commission, position 2, Spokane Valley Fire Department in the 2019 Washington General Election, Nov. 5

Age: 86

City: Spokane Valley, WA

Occupation: Retired

Education: Graduated from North Central High School in 1955. Received associate’s of arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College. Completed a five-year pipefitters apprenticeship and eventually attended Eastern Washington University where he obtained a teaching degree in industrial safety.

Political experience: Has served as a fire commissioner since 1990.

Work experience: Schmidt worked as a steam pipefitter for 21 years. After a workplace injury, he ran a program at the plumbers and pipefitters union, as well as other unions, to recruit women and minorities into trade careers. After about a year of working for unions, he was hired at Spokane Community College as the Dean of Trade Industry and Apprenticeships. He retired in the early 2000s.

Personal: Widowed. Was married to Sharran Lea Schmidt. Has six children and 10 grandchildren.