Chief TJ Lawrence
Fire Chief, Kuna Rural Fire District

Chief TJ Lawrence brings more than two decades of dedicated fire service experience to his role as Fire Chief of the Kuna Rural Fire District. Known for his steady leadership, strategic foresight, and deep commitment to the community, Chief Lawrence has been instrumental in guiding the district through a period of rapid growth and transformation.

Beginning his fire service career as a firefighter/EMT September 1, 2001, Chief Lawrence worked his way through the ranks, serving in roles including engineer, captain, and battalion chief. Throughout his career, he has championed operational excellence, firefighter safety, and community risk reduction. His hands-on experience at every level of the organization gives him a strong foundation for leading with empathy, accountability, and insight.

Since 2017, Chief Lawrence has also been deployed to major wildland incidents across California and Oregon as an Engine Boss and Task Force Leader. These mobilizations have provided him with critical experience in managing complex incidents, coordinating multi-agency resources, and leading teams in high-risk environments. He brings the lessons learned from these large-scale deployments back to the Kuna Rural Fire District to strengthen local preparedness, training, and response capabilities.

Under his leadership, the district has undertaken major initiatives, including the expansion of station infrastructure, increased staffing and training, improved emergency response capabilities, and stronger partnerships with local government, developers, and community stakeholders. He played a key role in strategic planning efforts that align district resources with projected population growth, future fire station development, and enhanced emergency services delivery.

Chief Lawrence lives in the community he proudly serves with his wife, Jessica. Together they have three children and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity, service before self, and building a strong, resilient fire district for future generations.