Meet the Puget Sound Fire Peer Support Team
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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
abel craft
scott dellinger
brian dodge
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.
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drew erickson
david frazier
steve galassi
carlos gegen
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
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.
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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 383 with Puget Sound RFA since our merger in 2018. I have represented our firefighters as a union executive officer for a combined 21+ years and am currently Local 1747’s union president.
I have three adult children – Nick who works in the tech industry, Grace who is a schoolteacher, and Luke who attends WWU working towards a computer science degree. I live in Maple Valley with my most awesome 2nd wife. My interests include pretty much anything outdoors, riding any street motorcycle, a good bourbon, and spending time with family and friends. |
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
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.
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mike seery
graham sharman
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I got hired by Kent (now Puget Sound) Fire in March of 2008. I’m an engineer, a CBT instructor, and I’ve spent a few years on the trucks. I live in Seattle with my lovely wife, sharp stepson, and our old black cat. I enjoy reading, playing soccer, riding my road bicycle, and being supine. I’m excited to be a 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 Kent Fire Department in 2011. I’m currently a firefighter downtown at Station 71 and am also on our Local’s executive board. I have been married to my wife Lynn for 9 years and have two little girls who enjoy running me ragged. Outside of work I have played ice hockey for 25 years and love playing all sports, as well as fishing and hunting. Nearly my entire family is in the fire service and I have seen firsthand the stresses that our chosen career can have on ourselves and our loved ones. Please feel free to call me anytime!
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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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civilian
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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