Bellevue Firefighters - IAFF, Local 1604

1 week ago

Congratulations Loren!! Enjoy your time with friends & family!!!!RETIREMENT: Today, after close to five years of distinguished service with the City of Bellevue Fire Department, Fire Prevention Officer Loren Charlston worked his final day with us.

Loren’s public safety career spanned nearly 37-years, starting as a resident volunteer with the Spanaway Fire Department while attending Bates Technical College, then later working as a paid firefighter with the Hanford Fire Department. In 1981, he was hired by the City of Redmond Fire Department. Loren quickly rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Fire Chief of Administration and later elected to finish his last six years as a fire captain at Fire Station 12. Before retiring from Redmond Fire after 31 years of service, Loren earned the prestigious Executive Fire Officer Credential from the National Fire Academy and obtained his associate degree in fire science.

Loren spent the next four years in the private sector as a program manager at Microsoft, but returned to the public safety work environment that is his passion when he was hired by Bellevue Fire in 2015. During his tenure with us, Loren has played an intricate role with the Fire Marshal’s Office, offering his vast knowledge, training and experience to the division. His dedicated fire prevention efforts have helped reduce the fire risk to the community and to our firefighters. He has been a great mentor to the junior fire prevention officers who have been lucky enough to work with him. His accomplishments and devotion were recognized by his peers when he was honored with the 2019 Civilian Employee of the Year Award.

We wish him and his family well and the best of luck with all future endeavors. Loren - job well done and you will truly be missed! ... See MoreSee Less

Bellevue Firefighters - IAFF, Local 1604

2 weeks ago

Almost 50 years of service for our paramedic program!!! Looking forward to the next 50! #historyBellevue was the first community outside of Seattle to build its own Medic One service. Bake sales and car washes helped fund it, and firefighters donated their time to become trained paramedics. On September 12, 1972, the first class of paramedics began service. Two days later, they brought their first patient back to life. Thank you, Bellevue (WA) Fire Department, for your partnership, friendship, and service to our communities. Stay safe! #MedicOne50 #ThrowbackThursday ... See MoreSee Less

Bellevue Firefighters - IAFF, Local 1604

2 weeks ago

Congratulations Paul!! Enjoy retirement!!RETIREMENT: We bid farewell this morning to Lieutenant Medical Services Officer Paul Davison after a career that spanned nearly 40 years. After starting as a volunteer at Fire Station 1 in 1978, Paul’s professional career began on October 1, 1980, and he is the last member of his original recruit class to retire. As a firefighter, Paul was assigned to Stations 1, 3, 6 and 7. He then decided to become a paramedic and attended the renowned University of Washington/Harborview program in Seattle, graduating from Paramedic Class 15 in 1988. He enjoyed serving in this capacity for seven years before promoting to lieutenant. He spent three years as a company officer on Engine 1 before moving into the Medical Services Officer position in 1998, spending most of his remaining years with the department in this role.

Paul took his skills and commitment beyond his service as a firefighter; he was a fixture for many years on the Seafair Medical Team working the hydroplane races. He was also one of the founding members of Washington State Task Force Urban Search and Rescue Team which was formed in 1991. He has remained a part of the team to this day and has been deployed on multiple disasters and wildfires. Department members (both on and off duty) as well as project teams have relied on Paul’s knack for all things technology related.

Stretch, as he is affectionately known among our members, gained some fame at the end of his career for his starring role as one of the “Two Left Bunker Boots” dance troupe members in this video highlighting our efforts to keep our members and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

youtu.be/ugxbUhNSeog.

Paul, your enthusiasm, dedication and smile have left an indelible mark on us all. Best wishes in your next chapter. ... See MoreSee Less

Bellevue Firefighters - IAFF, Local 1604

2 weeks ago

Our hearts are with our brothers & sisters in Bellingham. Losing a part of the fire family is always a blow . . .On Monday June 29 Firefighter Brian Cain was tragically killed in a tractor accident on his property in Whatcom County. Brian spent 31 years working for the City of Bellingham. 12 years with the Public Works department and then the last 19 years with the Fire Department. Brian was most recently assigned as a ladder truck operator at Station 5 on Northwest Ave.

In addition to his work with the City of Bellingham, Brian had previously volunteered as a firefighter in Fire District 14 and Fire District 1. He is very well known and has been active throughout the East County.

Most importantly Brian was a husband to Stacy, a father to Chad and Olivia, and looking forward to becoming a grandfather in the very near future.

This sudden, tragic loss has struck the members of our department deeply. Our hearts are broken and we are struggling to find a way through this terrible time.

Know that while we will continue to be here to help you when you need it, we’re working through the grief of losing a member of our fire department family.

- Bill Hewett, Fire Chief ... See MoreSee Less