COMMENDATIONS AND PROMOTIONS
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR 2010: Firefighter Randy Hart (Ladder 1 B Platoon)
RECENT PROMOTIONS
-Mark Risen to Battalion Chief
-Andy Adolfson to Captain
-Blaine Singleton to Lieutenant
-Troy Donlin to Lieutenant
-Scott Symons to Engineer
COMMENDATIONS
Unit Commendation: "Ice Cave Incident"
On August 21st, 2008 Medic 3 (Firefighter/Paramedic Art Arpin and Firefighter/Paramedic Cynthia Thomas) and MSO 5 (Fire Captain Chuck Heitz and Firefighter/Paramedic John Baxter) were involved in a hazardous "ice cave rescue" in mountainous terrain near Snoqualmie Pass. Despite no signs of life, crews worked tirelessly for several hours, cutting through feet of collapsed ice with hand tools and chainsaws. Finally, miraculously, they located and freed the two teenagers, who though badly injured were still alive. Were it not for their intrepid actions these youths would have died. The rescue was featured on national news and in numerous publications including a Readers Digest.
Unit Commendation: "Haystack Incident"
On August 28th, 2008 Medic 3 (Firefighter/Paramedic John McNeill and Firefighter/Paramedic Pat Nipert) and MSO 5 (acting lieutenant Rich Burke) were involved in a mountain rescue atop 4100 foot Mount Si near North Bend, where a victim had fallen over a 200' cliff from the "haystack" rock formation atop the mountain. The rescue involved helicopter insertion of the McNeil and Nipert, while Burke, utilizing unmaintained fire roads was able to get additional personnel close to the incident site using his 4 wheel drive command unit. Fog, vertical terrain and even mountain goats faced the crew during their ascent, but they were able to locate the victim. Sadly the victim had succumbed to his massive injuries and despite valiant efforts, he could not be revived.
Unit Commendation: "Ollalie Incident"
On August 30th, 2008 Medic 3 (Firefighter/Paramedic John McNeill and Firefighter/Paramedic Pat Nipert) and MSO 5 (acting lieutenant Rich Burke) were involved in a rescue in mountainous terrain near Snoqualmie Pass. where a teen who had fallen off a 60 foot cliff on the Ironhorse. McNeill, Nipert and Burke worked their way down to the severely injured victim, stabilized his injuries and transported him. Their dedicated actions saved the young man's life.
Unit Commendation: "Glendale Incident"
On February 7th, 2007 Ladder 3 (acting lieutenant Jeff Byrd, Fire Engineer John Batts, Firefighter Scott Robbins, and Firefighter Steve Willis) and Aid 3 (Firefighter Greg Wilson and Firefighter Jeff Negrete) were involved at a structure fire at the Glendale Apartments. Facing heavy fire conditions, the crew valiantly acted to rescue two victims trapped within the building. Despite the clear danger presented by the heavy fire conditions, the crews of Ladder 3 and Aid 3 successfully rescued a mother and child from the fire. The two are alive today because of the actions of the crew of Ladder 3 and Aid 3.
