NORTH BEND, Wash. — Family and friends of seven fallen firefighters gathered on Sunday at the Washington State Fire Training Academy for the annual Washington State Fallen Firefighter's Memorial Service. Those honored are listed below.
- Assistant Chief Dean Crosswhite of Whatcom County Fire District 7
- Firefighter/Parademic John Garner of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue
- Firefighter Dan Patterson of the Spokane Valley Fire Department
- Firefighter/Parademic Joe Kilian of Clark County Fire District 6
- Firefighter Matt Runte of the Seattle Fire Department
- Assistant Chief Larry Spohn of South Pierce Fire and Rescue
- Firefighter Michele J. Williams of the Seattle Fire Department
Puget Sound Fire Division Chief Pat Pawlak says this service offers everyone one more opportunity to show appreciation for the years of service these firefighters gave to their community. It also allows families of the fallen to know they have support from all over the state.
"We're one big family," Pawlak said. "We have firefighters, chiefs and officers from all over the state even from departments who do not have fallen firefighters here today being recognized."
The distinct drone of bagpipes filled the air as part of the memorial service. The pomp and circumstance added to the emotions those in attendance felt.
"They do have to relive the trauma of losing a loved one. However, they also get to relive the support and the love they got from the first service," Pawlak said. "Even years from now, they're invited to fire department functions. The firefighters will make sure the children are supported at graduation, sporting events."
All of these deaths are considered line-of-duty deaths. Many of the firefighters suffered illnesses related to their work. Pawlak said cancer and heart-related illnesses are the number one killer of firefighters. That is backed up by the International Association of Firefighters which shared that a majority of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters between 2002-2019 fell into those two categories. Pawlak wants to see a greater emphasis put on workplace safety for firefighters across the state.