Puget Sound Fire Peer Support
Peer support team members are not counselors but are covered by confidentiality and privileged communication per RCW 5.60.060.
Meet the Puget Sound Fire Peer Support Team
DEREK ABDELLA
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I have been with the fire department since 2008 and have been with the Puget Sound Fire Honor Guard since 2012. I was an elementary and middle school teacher for 12 years prior to joining the fire department. I was also a member of the United States Air Force Reserves and retired after multiple deployments and a 20-year career. I am married to my beautiful wife Tracy and we have two amazing sons, Drew and Mason. Together, we have seen the stresses the military and fire department have on a family and I would love to assist you and your family any way I can. Please feel free to get ahold of me anytime. |
SEAN ALLEN
JIM BLATT
RYAN BUTLER
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I have been with the Maple Valley Fire Department since 2005 and currently work as a firefighter at Station 81. I am on the special ops team as a rope and swift water tech and am also a rescue swimmer. I'm married, no kids, 2 dogs, and I live on the east side of the hill in Leavenworth.
In the winter, I like back country skiing and have been learning to snowmobile and I ice climb a bit. When its warmer outside, I mainly climb rocks and ride mountain bikes. I'm new to the peer support group and am happy to talk if any of you ever have the need, or just want to go do fun stuff outside. |
ABEL CRAFT
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I first got hired in 1983. I worked for Bangor until 1992, when I was hired at Maple Valley. I used to be semi- athletic; I played a lot of softball and basketball. I played basketball at three different FF Olympics, rarely won, but had fun. Decided about 15 years ago I needed to come up with a safer sport so I have been golfing; I'm still no good, but most of the time I am having fun and I think this will be the year that I finally do not play any softball. It took me ten years longer than I thought it would to wean myself off of softball. I enjoy hiking, I have been to the top of Mt. Rainer, with help from co-workers.
I have been married for 30 plus years I have 2 adult children, I live on a little acreage in Gig Harbor and my wife believes the more animals the better, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 14 chickens and counting. I love being a firefighter and strongly believe in volunteering in the community. |
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SCOTT DELLINGER
RYAN DUDLEY
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I was born in 1978 in Moscow, Idaho and now live in Issaquah, Washington with my wife, Caryl, and our three children. I've been at Puget Sound Fire since 2007 and have been involved with Peer Support for most of my career. I approach Peer Support from a Christian perspective with a heart to serve and fellowship as we process the wear and tear of our Fire Service lives. |
DREW ERICKSON
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I started off in Air Force Fire Protection in 1995 and then worked for McChord, Fort Lewis, then Maple Valley starting in 2000. I live in Maple Valley with my wonderful wife Heather, and two great kids, Andy (12) and Will (8).
I pride myself and career on taking care of others first, work ethic, and having fun. I enjoy all outdoor activities - especially snowmobiling, fly-fishing, and hiking. Only 14 years left to finish making an impact in the fire service…… |
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DAVID FRAZIER
STEVE GALASSI
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My name is Steve Galassi and I have been with Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety as a Firefighter for the past 16 years. I am honored to serve the citizens of Maple Valley and I am also honored to serve as a Peer Support Counselor for my department.
A little about me; I received my B.A. in Sociology from Washington State University in 1998. I am married with two rambunctious little girls and live in Maple Valley. In my free time, I enjoy steelhead fishing, golf, swimming, and playing ice hockey with my fellow firefighter colleagues. GO COUGS!!! |
CARLOS GEGEN
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My name is Carlo Gegen. I have been with Puget Sound Fire since 2008. I am currently an engineer on L374. I live in Anacortes with my wife Laurie and my four children; Amelia, Malaney, Magdalene, and Carlo. I certainly understand the need to depend on one another in this job. Feel free to contact me anytime. |
KEN GOLL
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Hi! My name is Ken Goll. I am currently assigned as a Fire Investigator for Puget Sound Fire. I am 51 years old, married and have 4 children.
I live in Puyallup and have been in the fire service for 24 years. As a person that has had to reach out before, I truly understand the importance of our system of peer support. I am always available for a chat, night, or day. Take care of yourself and each other, Kenny G. |
M. DANIEL HARDMAN
BRIAN KEAVENY
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I have been a member of MVFLS since 2011 as a volunteer firefighter and June 2014 as a career firefighter. I am also a member of the department’s Swift Water and Technical Ropes teams, as well as a rescue swimmer.
I live in Seattle with my wife, Carly, and my strong-willed daughter, Aevlan. Away from the job, I enjoy water sports and personal fitness. I welcome your call if you’re in need of an open ear. |
PJ KNOWLES
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I joined Maple Valley fire as a volunteer in 1986 until the beginning of my career at City of SeaTac in 1991. After six months, I jumped ship back to MV am now an Engineer on 377 with Puget Sound RFA since our merger in 2018. I have represented our firefighters as a union executive officer for a combined 23+ years and am currently Local 1747’s union president. I have three adult children – Nick and Luke who both work in the tech industry and my daughter Grace who teaches middle school English. I live in Maple Valley with my most awesome wife. My interests include pretty much anything outdoors, a good bourbon, and spending time with family and friends. |
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JOHN MADDEN
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I have served 33 years in the fire service and like so many of you, a couple were as a volunteer; most have been with Maple Valley Fire. I have been a fire officer since 1995. I have managed our public fire education program, Juvenile Fire Stoppers Program, and the purchasing of everything from defibrillators to toilet brushes. I have been a Union president… twice and served in the training division… twice… and I still love my job!
I have a wife who is a Speech Therapist for the Kent School District and two grown kids. I have had a fascination with fast machines and the engineering that goes into creating them for as long as I can remember. I’m a gearhead. I’ve made a point of visiting as many different types of motorsport events as possible over the years. I have a company that provides on-site fire/rescue services to speedways and off-road rally racing venues in the Pacific Northwest. Until you have stood between to two 10,000 horsepower Top Fuel dragsters and felt them detonate to 330 MPH in 3.8 seconds, something has been missing from your life. It’s really fuzzy to watch, then you realize your eyeballs are bouncing around uncontrollably in their sockets. So Fun! The fire service is a great job. It’s also a tough job that can be physically and psychologically demanding. Sometimes, a fire fighter’s perspective is a hard to share with a family member. When needed, I encourage you to take the opportunity the Peer Support Program offers to seek an understanding ear of someone who has shared like experiences. We can just listen or help point you in a healthier direction. The Zone has great people that are ready to support our brothers and sisters. Or you can just go stand next to a dragster. It puts a lot of things into perspective. |
JONATHAN MILLER
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I was hired in 2014. I’m currently working on E45 in SeaTac. I’ve been married for 10 years to my incredible wife (Mollie) and we have 5 beautiful kids (Genesis, Coba, Selah, Miesha, and Lazarus). I enjoy staying active, playing sports, hiking, paddle boarding, and spending time with the fam. I’m excited to be a part of the peer support team and hope to walk beside some of you that need someone to listen. |
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JESSI NEMENS
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My name is Jessi Nemens. I was hired with Puget Sound Fire in 2008. I am currently a captain at station 45 on A shift.
In my spare time I like working out, traveling and working in my yard. Peer support is a great program and I feel very fortunate to be part of the team. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you need someone to talk to. |
MARVIN OAKCRUM
MEADE SCARDUZIO
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My name is Meade Scarduzio. I was fortunate enough to begin my career with Puget Sound Fire December 1, 2015. I was in the military for approx. 9 years prior and I have assisted in similar programs while serving. I am married to my wife, Lane, and we have two beautiful girls, Emery and Teagen.
I see it as being an honor to be able to help in any capacity that I can, so please feel free to give me a call. |
MIKE SEERY
GRAHAM SHARMAN
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I got hired by the Puget Sound FD in March of 2008 (in those day it was the Kent FD). I'm a Captain, a Rescue Swimmer, and, back when I was an Engineer, I spent a few years on the Truck.
I live in Seattle with my wife, who is a nurse, and we have an adult son, who works with at-risk youth. I enjoy reading, playing soccer, riding my road bicycle, and being supine. I'm excited to be part of the Peer Support Team. Feel free to call or email me. |
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NATE STROBEL
ART WEICHBRODT
JOEL WILLITS
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My name is Joel Willits and I was hired by the Kent Fire Department (now Puget Sound Fire) in 2011. I'm a captain who is about to head back to shift following a two-year stint instructing in the academy.
I have two daughters, Avery (8) and Addison (7), who enjoy running me ragged. Outside of work I have played hockey for most of my life and currently coach both of my daughters on their all-girls team. If we aren't in a hockey rink, we are probably enjoying the outdoors with our 13-year old black lab Bauer. My father, step-father and uncle are all retired from the fire service, while my brother (Medford Fire) and step-brother (Spokane County Dist. 8) are also firefighters, so I have seen firsthand the stress and effect that our profession can have on us and our families. Feel free to call me anytime. |
JEREMY YERRICK
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Hi, my name is Jeremy Yerrick, and I work for the Puget Sound Fire Department. I am very approachable and put Team before self.
I have been married to my beautiful wife for 10 years. She’s also a Professional Firefighter and works for the City of Tacoma. We have a chocolate lab named Draft, and he goes with us everywhere. Contact me about anything. |
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LINDSEY ARSANTO
KARI MEYERS
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Hi, my name is Kari Meyers I have worked for Puget Sound Fire since October 2010 in Human Resources, with my main focus on employee benefits.
I have been married for 30 years, my husband and I live in Puyallup. We have two adult sons that are mostly out of the house. I enjoy being outdoors in the sun, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. My door is always open for a visit. |
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