PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Beloved Central Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighter John Garner died Wednesday.
His death was “completely unexpected” and “stunned” friends and family, according to Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Chief Dustin Morrow.
“John was a true inspiration,” Morrow tweeted. “His positive energy, on and off the job, was something that many tried to mimic, but few did.”
Garner had worked as a firefighter and paramedic with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue since 2016. He previously worked in Ocean Shores for 10 years, according to Pierce County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 726 union.
”The hole that is left by the loss of John, it can’t be filled,” said Ocean Shores Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Ritter.
Ritter worked with Garner for 10 years on the Washington coast.
He said Garner's duties included rescuing swimmers on the beach.
"It takes a real special person to jump into the Pacific Ocean, into the rip currents," said Ritter.
Garner was an active member and leader in his firefighter’s union, serving on the executive board and honor guard. He recently graduated from the 7th District Executive Leadership Series Class II, where Garner spent over a year taking advanced union leadership classes. Only “a select few” accomplish this, the union said.
The union said Garner was also instrumental in his community, spearheading the union’s annual adopt-a-family holiday campaign, which helps provide needy families with food and gifts.
Garner headed up the program every year, motivating co-workers to make donations and raise money for families in need.
Garner's work doubled the number of adopted families who got help, according to the department.
"It just grew as John propelled it. The more we knew about it, the more we were interested," said Central Pierce Lt. Michael Auvil.
The department says Garner's work doubled the number of adopted families who got help.
"It just grew as John propelled it. The more we knew about it, the more we were interested," said Central Pierce Lt. Michael Auvil.
Outside of work, the union said Garner enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle and supporting the Seahawks.
“John had an unquenchable thirst for life and laughter,” the union said in a statement.
Due to the timing and circumstances, the union says Garner's family is facing a "massive financial burden." Donations can be made to Garner’s family through the union online. Checks can also be made payable to the IAFF L726 Benevolent Fund and mailed to Pierce County Professional Firefighters, P.O. Box 726, Puyallup, WA 98371.