Last week, Seattle Fire Department was part of a very special reunion!
Mia and Mattie, two registered therapy dogs, stopped by Fire Station 32 to thank the firefighters who rescued them.
On March 5, Mia and Mattie escaped from their fenced backyard in West Seattle and became stranded nearly 20 feet down the side of a bluff, unable to climb up or down.
Firefighters from Ladder 13, Ladder 1, Engine 26, Engine 32 and Rescue Company 1 responded and performed a rope rescue to safely bring both dogs back to solid ground.
During their visit to the station, Mia and Mattie were reunited with the crews from the ladder and engine comapnies that saved them, with their grateful owners, Jen and Linda, by their side.
While the dogs came to say, “thank you,” their work as therapy dogs gave something back to our firefighters: comfort, connection and some much-appreciated snuggles.
Jen and Linda made a donation to the Seattle Fire Foundation as a show of appreciation.
Owner Jen said, “As we approached the group of firefighters alongside Mia and Mattie, we were deeply moved - nearly brought to tears - reflecting on the serious risks and potential losses we or they could have faced without the remarkable skill and dedication shown during that dramatic rescue in March.”
#SeattleFire #roperescue #therapydogs
May is AANHPI Heritage Month!
Seattle Fire is honored to observe this national celebration of history, culture and achievements. Throughout May, we recognize the significant contributions of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) community members, both past and present. We invite you to join us in celebrating this important heritage and its lasting impact.
#AANHPIMonth #community #seattlefire
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
2025's Chief of the Year is Chief Brian Maier. Chiefs of the Year are responsible for ensuring their firefighters, company officers and battalions are prepared for whatever comes their way.
In his role as a Safety Officer, Chief Maier has been a champion of proactive efforts to protect member health and safety. He is also credited as a strong mentor and leader to others.
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
Employee of the Year is awarded to a professional staff member who carries out their responsibilities in an exemplary fashion.
This year’s recipient is Allison Dolzonek, who is widely acknowledged as one of our most savvy staff with technology and is often sought after for help. She seeks efficient solutions, but also understands the culture of the fire department and tailors her solutions to the needs of our members.
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
Company officers are responsible for providing direction, support and guidance to their crews every day.
They are the ones ensuring the department responds to emergencies quickly and safely and are constantly serving the needs of their crew and community.
We are happy to recognize Lieutenant Paul Coale with 2025's Officer of the Year award for his influence, dedication and contributions to Seattle Fire.
Lt. Coale is an excellent teacher, sharing his knowledge and skills in our competency-based training program, and on various committees.
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
Paramedics receive advanced training to provide exceptional pre-hospital care so that our patients have the best opportunity for survival once reaching the emergency department.
We are pleased to announce Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan Smith as the 2025 recipient, who demonstrates a deep passion and heart for the work.
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
Firefighter of the Year is someone who has a high regard for customer service, dedication to excellence and innovation and serves as a role model for others.
2025's winner, Firefighter Will Whatley, gives to the department in so many ways as a member of the Health One and Health 99 teams, a driver on Ladder 6, and mentor to others.
Today, we’re celebrating the moms of the Seattle Fire Department! 👩🏾🚒🌸
Mothers across our department show up every day with strength, compassion and dedication… both at work and at home.
Thank you for the care you give your families, your crews and the communities you serve. You make Seattle Fire stronger.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures in our department and community.
#SeattleFire #MothersDay #womeninfire
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
Our next award is the Fire Chief Claude Harris Diversity Award. Named after retired Seattle Fire Chief Harris, it is given to an individual who has advanced racial equity and social justice with the Seattle Fire Department.
2025's recipient, HR’s Julie George, wears her heart for equity and justice on her sleeve. She is driven by doing what is right and displays courage in calling out practices and policies she believes are unfair.
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
We are highlighting some of the award winners from 2025. Today, we recognize a member of the Seattle Fire Department with the Customer Service of the Year award, which is given to a professional staff member who has made a significant contribution to customer service.
Ruth Ethelston is one of our Operations Division administrative team members. Her nominator credits her as always being pleasant, helpful and going out of her way to answer questions for staff and prevent misunderstandings.
Ruth is just a few weeks from a well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Ruth!
Each year, Seattle Fire honors and celebrates individuals and programs that demonstrate excellence in emergency response, leadership, customer service, and community impact.
In the upcoming days, we’ll be highlighting some of the award winners from 2025.
We start with the Community Service Award. This year, it was awarded to The Chaplaincy Program.
The Chaplaincy Program exemplifies compassion, kindness, and service. This all-volunteer team is on stand-by to receive a call from our Fire Alarm Center, ready to meet people in their greatest time of need. They come to support grieving families, prepared to listen and help them with their unimaginable next steps.
🧠 May is National Stroke Awareness Month! 🧠
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time! Recognizing the signs quickly can save a life.
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.:
• B - BALANCE: Are they walking differently? Check for a sudden loss of balance.
• E - EYES: Ask if they can see out of both eyes or have blurry or double vision.
• F - FACE: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
• A - ARMS: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms.
• S - SPEECH: Is speech slurred or garbled? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T - TIME: If you notice any of these signs, it's TIME to call 911 immediately. Time is crucial in treating a stroke.
All Seattle Fire Department dispatchers are trained firefighter/EMTs who know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. When you call 911 for a suspected stroke, our dispatchers walk you through the B.E. F.A.S.T. steps. This helps them understand the severity of the situation, so our paramedics and firefighter/EMTs are as prepared as possible to help.
#StrokeAwareness #BEFAST #SeattleFire
