PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
ECWRSS
Postal Customer
volume SEVEN
issue two
PAID
Permit #122
Auburn, WA
spring 2014
FIRE WATCH
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE VALLEY REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
vrfa honors achievements
at Annual Awards Banquet
The Valley Regional Fire
training classes and is very effective in sharing his knowledge with his fellow
Authority held their annual
firefighters.”
awards event on February
21. At the event, the VRFA
Captain Doug Darmody, a 29 year veteran, was recognized as the Fire Officer of
recognized the 2013
the Year for 2013. Doug began his career with the legacy Auburn Fire Department
Firefighter of the Year,
on April 16, 1985 and was appointed Captain on June 16, 2004. Captain Darmody
Fire Officer of the Year,
led a team that developed a contemporary hydraulics manual that will be the
recent promotions, past
foundation for the training of pump operators for many years to come. Peers
Governance
Board
noted that “Doug is an exemplary fire officer, he is decisive, consistently makes
members and retirees.
sound tactical decisions and places the safety of his personnel at the top of his
priorities.” Captain Darmody was also recognized as Firefighter of the Year in 1997
Firefighter First Class Medical Program
with the legacy Auburn Fire department.
Specialist Terry Robinson received the 2013 Firefighter of the Year award.
Robinson began working with the legacy Auburn Fire Department on August 30,
The VRFA conducted a badge pinning ceremony for personnel that were promoted
1999 and was recognized for his outstanding work training EMT’s as a Medical
in 2013. Captain Guy Smith and Captain Melina Kuzaro were recognized by their
Program Specialist and mentoring them in the finer points of the job. His peers
families and co‐workers. Three outgoing members of the Board of Governance
commented that “Terry has a tireless work ethic and many years of experience
were recognized with a plaque for their service to the VRFA since its inception in
that he is willing to share with others.” “Terry is a top notch firefighter, with an
January of 2007, Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Auburn Councilmember Rich Wagner
upbeat attitude. He is very knowledgeable, teaches great emergency medical
and Pacific Councilmember Clint Steiger.
vrfa firefighter gives
We all have or will be touched by Cancer in some way during our lifetime. Last
(NMDP). It is a nonprofit organization that is
year VRFA Firefighter Jamie Durkan had the opportunity to make a difference
dedicated to helping every patient get the life-
when he attended a “Be the Match” event at the school where his wife teaches.
saving transplant they need. As trusted leaders
The event was sponsored by a fellow teacher who had recently lost her husband
in advancing treatments for those facing
to cancer. Be The Match®, is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program®
life-threatening blood cancers, they provide
01
02
04
04
the ground-breaking research, innovative
firefighter makes
livesaving donation
technologies, patient support and education
that save lives.
Stem cells help woman fight cancer
vrfa sends help to
oso mudslide
Like most people Jamie was naïve to how
Four help with search efforts
his wife, a first grade teacher in Maple
four to retire
Their combined experience equals 125 years
bone marrow donors are matched, so when
Valley convinced him to attend the Be The
Match®, registry day at her school he was
a bit apprehensive. “I thought they would
sky lanterns
Learn the dangers of these open flame devices
drill into my femur extracting bone marrow right then and
there,” said Jamie. He later learned that this misconception is common and one of
continued on next page
vrfa firefighter gives
Life-Saving Stem Cells to Cancer Patient
continued from previous page
the main reasons more people are not donors. As it turned out, he only needed to
cell transplant, so while she was receiving chemo-therapy treatments Jamie was
complete a health questionnaire and have a swab of DNA taken from his mouth. It
receiving injections that made the bones in his body swell and grow producing
was easy and painless.
the excess cells needed for the procedure. “I’m sure my discomfort wasn’t even a
fraction of the physical pain she went through,” said Jamie.
The event was held in May 2013 and by September, Jamie was contacted, informed
that he was a match and asked if he still wished to be a donor. He didn’t hesitate
Jamie says the actual day of the donation was fairly easy. It took about seven hours
and felt proud and honored to be a match as most donors sit on the registry an
from the time of his last shot until all the needed cells were extracted from his
average of 10 years before they find a match. Unfortunately a few days later he
blood. The nurse, who was his advocate, said she would be hand delivering the
was told he was an alternate. The disappointment only lasted a few days. He was
cells to the patient’s doctor and since the program is international that could be
again contacted and told the primary donor didn’t work out and he was now
anywhere in the world.
the first choice. He was happy to have the opportunity to make a difference for
someone. He found out that the patient was a 38 year-old female suffering from
Jamie was told he may never meet, hear from or know the outcome of the patient
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Due to privacy issues, that may be all he ever knows
and was okay with that. Just knowing that the possibility existed to make her feel
about her.
better was enough. However, just before the Christmas holiday in 2013, Jamie was
contacted with an update. He was told that the patient made a great recovery
The first step in the process was getting blood drawn so he could be more specifically
and had been discharged from the hospital to go home where she celebrated the
matched. He then met with the Medical Director of the Puget Sound Blood Center
holidays with her family, cancer free!
and his donor advocate, a Registered Nurse, also with the Puget Sound Blood
Center. The same day he received a full medical physical including chest x-ray, EKG,
After hearing about Jamie’s experience, several firefighters at the VRFA have
urine and more blood. Over the next couple of weeks he had another blood test
expressed interest in being on the registry and are now in the process of holding
and was scheduled for donation. There are two ways of donating, either through a
events and sign-up days for VRFA employees and the public.
bone marrow transplant where marrow is drawn out of the pelvic bone or through
peripheral blood stem cell transplant which consists of five daily injections of a
For more information on stem cell donation visit the Be The Match®, website at
drug that boosts production of the stem cells. The recipient qualified for the stem
www.bethematch.org/.
vrfa sends four to assist
with the Oso Mudslide
On Saturday, March 22, 2014 the lives of the residents of the small rural
leadership to use these personnel for the initial response to the Oso Disaster
community of Oso, Washington were forever changed when a massive landslide
due to their current state of readiness. Because the deployment request for
crashed down on a residential area. Homes were destroyed, the highway was
this resource was not due to a federal disaster declaration, each agency with
covered in mud and debris and many people were reported missing. Local
personnel assigned to the deployment needed to sign an inter-governmental
first responders began rescue efforts and outside help was called in once the
agreement allowing their personnel to participate on the promise that Snohomish
magnitude of the slide was realized.
County would cover the expense. The VRFA quickly executed the agreement to
support this urgent, local disaster need. The four VRFA personnel that deployed
VRFA Battalion Chief Parry Boogard was attending a meeting of the Washington
on the mission were Battalion Chief Parry Boogard as a Search Team Manager;
State Task Force 1 (WA-TF1) Exercise Planning Committee on March 24 at 3:00
Firefighter Barry Rickert as Hazmat Manager and Captain Dale Laginess and
pm. The committee, made up of WA-TF1 leaders, was finalizing the Incident
Firefighter Jason Herman as Rescue Specialists.
Action Plan for the team’s deployment to the Alaska Shield 2014 training
exercise in Anchorage the following week. During the course of the meeting, the
The Urban Search & Rescue Team completed their preparations for deployment
WA -TF1 USAR Program Manager stepped in and alerted the planning group to
in Pierce County and late that evening boarded busses for the drive to Darrington,
a change in their assignment. Snohomish County Emergency Management was
Washington where the team would set up camp for their mission, expected to
requesting the Urban Search & Rescue Team to support the rescue & recovery
last 7 to 14 days. At 4 a.m. the team arrived at the Darrington Fairgrounds and
efforts at the Oso landslide disaster two days earlier.
immediately started the process to set up camp as the base of operations for
the coming weeks. While this was in process, a second group of team members
The Valley Regional Fire
were loading a box truck with the rescue tools, supplies and equipment that
Authority had previously
would be required to sustain the team in their daily search & rescue operations.
authorized the deployment
The weather that morning was just above freezing with steady wind and rain but
of
spirits of the team and the community were high.
their
4
WA-TF1
USAR team members
to support the Alaska
The first 12-hour operational period for the team started on March 25 at 7 a.m.
Shield exercise so all of
The team was briefed and assigned to start their search and rescue mission on
the personnel assigned
the east side of the landslide area. The team was met with access limitations
to the exercise were
into the impacted areas due to significant amounts of water and mud mixed
packed and prepared
with debris piles of logs, brush, structural components of homes, personal items,
for deployment. The
vehicles, motorhomes and boats. The entire lowland area had been inundated
decision was made by WA-TF1
by a flow of clay like mud that was 5’ to 30’ deep in some areas.
continued on next page
vrfa sends four to assist
with the Oso Mudslide
continued from previous page
Each day started with a morning briefing identifying the area to be searched,
continuously monitored the needs at the landslide site via fire service and
specific hazards and procedures to ensure the safety of the workers. As the
emergency management networks.
delayering process progressed, search dogs and their handlers located areas
of Operations was requested to help in the Snohomish County Emergency
of probability for possible rescue or recovery. These areas were prioritized and
Operations Center and served a week as the Operations Section Chief. The VRFA
systematically sorted through in an attempt to find victims and human remains.
also donated and delivered 30 sets of durable chest waders to workers at the
Search grids were established and hand-held GPS units used to verify and track
site. The waders had been previously purchased when the Howard Hansen Dam
all searched areas. WA TF-1 USAR worked closely with community members,
was experiencing problems and communities downstream were preparing for
local volunteers and other emergency response personnel each day. They also
possible flooding.
Brent Swearingen, VRFA Deputy Chief
provided support to heavy equipment operators and loggers.
Rescue workers remained on scene for well over a month attempting to locate
After 12 days, the first rotation of WA-TF1 USAR responders was replaced by
the bodies of all those missing for the grieving families.
a new team from WA-TF1 and a second USAR team from California. The VRFA
vrfa gives back
VRFA staff and firefighters have been very successful in their fundraising efforts
for the first half of 2014. In March, VRFA firefighters participated in the annual
Scott Firefighter Stair Climb for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and broke
the previous year’s fundraising record by raising over $11,000. This annual event
takes place in downtown Seattle at the Columbia Center, which is the second
tallest building west of the Mississippi. Firefighters climbed 69 flights of stairs
in over 50 pounds of full firefighting gear. Members of the VRFA stair climb
team included Jamie Durkan, Ryan Shervanick, Guy Smith, Gary Barker, Colton
The Valley Firefighters Union became a Platinum Sponsor of the Relay for Life
Fogelberg, Johan Friis, Paul Strong, Andy Cook, Ryan Chadwick, Jerry Montiel,
event by giving over $2,500 and didn’t stop there. They created a canned food
Andrew Mattheis, Matthew Kinnee, and Dave Cook.
drive to help the Auburn Food Bank and sold T-shirts at the Relay for Life event
on May 16 at Auburn Memorial Field.
May brought two more opportunities to help eradicate cancer. Valley Firefighters
Union Local 1352 and the VRFA hosted their annual Pancake Breakfast. This
Look for our staff volunteering more of their time in the next few months, raising
year’s event was held Saturday, May 31 at Lakeland Station 33 and served dual
funds for those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy, as
purposes: raising funds to add to the group’s donation to the American Cancer
well for those who suffered in the September 11 tragedy and wounded soldiers
Society Relay for Life event in Auburn and registering bone marrow donors for
returning home from military service.
the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) mentioned in this issue of our
Fire Watch newsletter.
from the administrator
First, I would like to extend my congratulations
our young people. With the warm weather approaching, many like to enjoy our
to 2013 Fire Officer of the Year, Doug Darmody
beautiful lakes and rivers. Without the proper use of a personal floatation device,
and 2013 Firefighter of the Year, Terry Robinson!
a fun filled afternoon on the water can turn into tragedy. Ensuring the proper use
They are tremendous professionals with many
of legal fireworks, handled only by adults, is also important for preventing injury
years of service to the community (see front
and fire. Check www.vrfa.org for fireworks safety information and links to the
page article).
cities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific, where you can find the regulations for your
specific area. The VRFA Fire Marshal, along with his staff, will be working directly
I am pleased to report the VRFA’s annual
with each local jurisdiction to help everyone have a safe celebration. Let’s keep
independent accountability audit, performed
the summer safe and injury free.
by the Washington State Auditor, produced a
report free of findings – our sixth consecutive!
The VRFA staff will be on hand at our upcoming community parades and festivals,
The audit reviewed many of our internal controls and found that our work was
sharing information about the services we provide, presenting important safety
compliant with state law and our own policies and procedures. The Auditor’s
information, keeping the attendees safe and visiting with our community members.
independent report on financial statements also found no instances of non-
We invite you to stop by and visit your firefighters at Pacific Days (July 11-13),
compliance. We strive to be good stewards of your dollars and are pleased with
Algona Days (July 19 & 20), and Auburn Days (August 8 - 10).
these reports, which you can review by visiting on our website.
If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s simple, send us an e-mail at
With summer fast approaching, thoughts of warm days and leisure activities begin
[email protected] or call us at 253-288-5800.
to energize us. At the VRFA, these thoughts include making sure we are prepared
to meet the unique emergencies we encounter each summer. Right now is the
time to reflect on and prepare for water safety and the safe use of fireworks with
It is our privilege to serve you!
vrfa
Retirements
The Valley Regional Fire Authority will lose a combined 125 years of experience when
four of our most senior members will hang up their firefighting gear for the last time.
Firefighters Dave Cook, Gary Eversaul and Barry Rickert, along with Captain Dale Laginess
seven years. He currently
is
the
of
Vice-Chairman
the
Washington
will retire on June 30th.
State
Fire
Firefighter Cook joined the Auburn Fire Department on August 1, 1979. He has held the
Operations
Haz-mat
positions of Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Public Information & Education Officer and
CPR Program Coordinator. Dave has competed three times in the New York City Tunnel
to Towers Run and was the oldest VRFA firefighter to complete the Columbia Tower stair
climb this past March. He was selected by his peers as Firefighter of the year in 1986 and
has two Medal of Merit awards. An Auburn High School graduate, Dave served his country
in the United States Air Force before returning to his hometown.
Chiefs,
Special
section.
He is a Community
Emergency Response
Team
Instructor
(CERT)
and
a
member of FEMA’s Washington Task Force
One. He was deployed to both Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the recent
mudslide disaster in Oso, Washington.
Fire Marshal Norm Golden commented on Dave’s contributions by saying, “Dave has been
the foundation of the Firefighters Union’s Executive Board for many years. He has served
as our Treasurer and sacrificed time that could be spent with family to do the work of
the Union. With almost 35 years on the job, Dave’s retirement will be felt all across the
organization. He is still one of the fastest fire fighters to run up 69 floors of the Columbia
Tower, and one of the ‘good guys’ that we will all miss.”
“Throughout his entire career, I cannot recall a day when Barry has not been happy and
friendly. He is caring and compassionate, willing to make a difference for people whether
he is responding to emergencies or serving as an instructor for our staff and the public,”
said Captain John Wentz.
“Barry will definitely be missed by his crew at Station 38. He can find an address faster
Firefighter Gary Eversaul joined the Auburn Fire Department on June 1, 1985. He started
his fire service career as a volunteer in the small town of LaCenter in 1975. Gary worked
as a professional firefighter for four years with the Sumner Fire Department before making
the move north to Auburn. He was a Shift Fire Investigator for eight years and served on
than anyone else on our shift, and remembers details from over ten years ago, said Captain
Dave Berg.
Captain Dale Laginess was hired by the Auburn Fire Department on April 16, 1985. He
the Special Operations Team for ten years, working as a Haz Mat Technician.
has been an integral part of the department’s technical rescue team since its inception
“Gary has the knack of making connections with even the most difficult of personalities,
Force One which was recently dispatched to Oso, Washington for the tragic mud slide. As
which in this business is imperative to working as a team and being successful. Gary has
been someone you could rely and lean on. If you need help at work or personally, Gary is a
guy you would call. He would drop everything to help a co-worker or friend, no matter the
hardship to himself. As nice as Gary is, he is also fiercely proud and takes great pride in his
reputation and performance both on and off the emergency scene. Gary has kept himself
“in the game” his entire career and has the personality traits everyone in this organization
wants to work with and around: he is caring, compassionate, sincere, competent, has a
true love for this business and has the ability to have fun and laugh. I will miss him,” said
Captain Doug Darmody.
and also worked as a Shift Fire Investigator. Dale is a member of FEMA’s Washington Task
a member of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Dale has mentored and trained
many of the firefighters that work on the fire engines today.
“Dale and I both hired on together in April of 1985 and got to know each other during the
Fire Academy. Looking back over Dale’s career, I can’t help but feel pride and gratitude
for having him here in this organization. Dale’s contributions to the improvement of his
coworkers’ and Zone 3 skill levels with rope rescue are irreplaceable. We are better and
safer in this area because of Dale. I feel privileged to have known and worked with Dale.
He is dedicated, passionate, extremely funny and someone you can trust with your life,”
said Captain Doug Darmody.
Firefighter Barry Rickert was hired July 16, 1981, giving him 33 years of service. Barry has
been a leader in the department’s hazardous materials response for many years. In 1983, he
became a member of the Special Operations Team and a haz-mat team leader in 1991. He
Thank you for your service, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement. We will miss you
Dave, Gary, Barry and Dale.
helped create the South Puget Sound Haz-Mat team in 1993 and served as its chairman for
sky lanterns Dangerous Open Flame Devices
You’ve seen them used in ceremonies and celebrations on television, in the movies and
for 10 to 15 minutes which allows the lightweight lantern to rise into the atmosphere and
possibly even floating through the night sky in your neighborhood. The glow from an
potentially travel for miles in an unpredictable direction depending upon the wind. During
airborne sky lantern sometimes referred to as a Chinese Wish Lantern is a sight to see but
its flight and return to earth the possibility exists for the open flame in the lantern to ignite
because of the danger they present, these devices are not allowed in the communities
combustible materials such as trees, rooftops, dry grass and brush.
served by the VRFA.
Sky Lanterns are not defined or regulated as a firework by the State of Washington however
Sky lanterns are essentially miniature, unmanned hot air balloons constructed of a pillow-
they fit into the category of an uncontrolled “open flame device” liable to start or cause a
case shaped rice paper or fabric bag supported by lightweight pieces of bamboo or wire. An
fire as defined in the 2012 International Fire Code. For more information on Sky Lanterns,
open flame fuel cell normally made from waxy paper, wax cardboard or a wax ring provides
fireworks or other fire prevention topics please contact the VRFA Fire Prevention Division
the heat necessary to lift the lantern into the air. Once lit, the flame can continue to burn
at 253 288-5870.
VRFA Services
The VRFA provides CPR and First Aid classes, complimentary blood pressure checks, fire station tours, customfit bicycle helmets, smoke alarms and more. For more information call 253-288-5800 or go to www.vrfa.org.
VRFA Administration
Eric Robertson, Administrator
Michael Gerber, Deputy Chief of Technical Services
Brent Swearingen, Deputy Chief of Operations
Mark Horaski, Director of Finance & Administration
Board of Governance:
Dave Hill, Chair, City of Algona Mayor
Nancy Backus, Vice Chair, City of Auburn Mayor
Members: Tim Fairley, Algona City Council
Leanne Guier, City of Pacific Mayor
John Jones, Pacific City Council
Lynda Osborn, Algona City Council
Wayne Osborne, Auburn City Council
Bill Peloza, Auburn City Council
Tren Walker, Pacific City Council
Follow Us on
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VRFA Headquarters
North Auburn Fire Station 31
1101 D Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 288-5800
Business hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.vrfa.org