Burien

Fallen firefighter began career in Burien

South Pierce Fire and Rescue Chief Dan Parker, 49, who was killed in a California wild fire last week, began his career in Burien.

Packer was part of a team assigned to fight a 250-acre blaze 15 miles from Happy Camp, California, near the Oregon border.

Packer and another firefighter were observing the fire when the blaze overcame them. The other firefighter escaped uninjured.

Burien/Normandy Park Fire Chief Mike Marrs said Packer joined the department in 1981, was promoted to lieutenant in 1990 and left in 1994.

"He was extremely well thought of," Marrs declared.

SeaTac

Police searching for serial hotel burglar

Law enforcement personnel are searching for James L. Sly, 44, suspected of burglarizing hotels in SeaTac, Tukwila, Federal Way and Renton.

He allegedly registers at hotels under the name of Colin Smith. Police say he breaks into neighboring rooms by prying the door jam.

Police are looking for a 1981 white Toyota Celica with the Washington license plate number of 442WNL.

Sly is described as an African-America male, 6 feet tall, 215 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to dial 911.

Compiled by Eric Mathison