Valley Regional Fire Authority
Peer Support Team (Alphabetical by Last Name)
|
Rob Allen
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I am 36 years old and have worked at the VRFA for over 10 years. No one has ever described me as perfect, nor do I have all the answers, but I am a good listener and would like to help. Call if you want to talk something out. I can also help provide information or resources if wanted or needed.
|
|
Lando Alvarado
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I began my career in Auburn in January 2000. As we all have experienced, time has flown by. I’ve been married since 2003. We have four beautiful children, two boys and two girls. We live in Seattle in the Capitol Hill area. When not at work, I stay busy with coaching my kids’ sports teams and non-stop projects around the house. In my fire service career, I’ve been involved as a Medical Specialist team member and am currently on our technical rescue team. As a peer support member I’m available to be contacted at any time.
|
|
Erika Bartlett
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I live in the Shoreline area with my husband and our two dachshunds. I was hired by the VRFA in 2012 and am involved with peer support because I’ve found managing mental health to be just as important as managing physical health (in this job and in my life.) I’m interested in the mind and exploring how experiences directly influence our mental states, and the freedom that comes from a better understanding of that relationship. I’m also a hospice volunteer and enjoy piano, martial arts, and meditation. Contact me anytime.
|
|
David DeVries
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
Hey I’m David, I have been in the Fire Service since I was 18 years old. Currently, I am part of our Technical Rescue Team at VRFA. My wonderful wife is a nurse, we live in Skagit County, and we just had our first child in December 2017. Our daughter is amazing; it is awesome being a father. In my time off I enjoy anything outdoors, hiking, hunting, boating, crabbing, camping, riding quads and working on our property. If you ever need to talk or grab a beer I am here to listen and help. The peer support system is a crucial need in the Fire Service. I am excited to be part of this cultural change. We do an excellent job of helping others in the community, its time we start helping our fire service FAMILY!!!
|
|
Norm Golden
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I was hired in 1992 with the City of Auburn Fire Department which is now Valley Regional Fire Authority. I was promoted to Captain in 1999, promoted to Fire Marshal in 2012, and escaped back to Captain in 2017. I have a side-job as an attorney representing first responders in legal matters, and am the pro bono counsel for Safe Call Now. I am happy to talk anytime, and have benefitted from sharing experiences with other first responders. All our communications are confidential. I’m married with two kids and live in West Seattle. I also like to meet for coffee if talking on the phone is not ideal.
|
|
Matt Kinnee
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I have been with the Valley Regional Fire Authority for 10 years. I am the Honor Guard Commander and recently bought a set of bagpipes (we will see how this goes). I am happily married to my beautiful wife Kerri and have 2 young boys Carter and Ryan. I spent 5 years on our Local’s Executive Board. I love spending time with my family at home, on the road for a play date or traveling to sunny places. I am happy to be someone you can reach out to. Please give me a call or shoot me an email.
|
|
Jeremiah Mushen
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I grew up in Seattle, graduated from WWU, have an identical twin and two younger brothers. My wife (Annemarie) and I were married while I was in fire academy (2006), and we have three boys (Hudson, Sawyer, Max). I enjoy leading a large Cub Scout Pack, and racing marathons and triathlons.
As a Peer Support Team Member, I feel my strength is relating to families dealing with mental health crises. I’ve utilized our Employee Assistance Program at a critical time, which allowed me to reach positive outcomes for my family. |
|
Guy Smith
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
I have been with Valley Fire since 2008 and work at Station 31. I live in West Seattle with my wife and two small boys who keep us real busy. In my limited free time I like to hike, camp, snowboard, and surf occasionally. Now that our boys are getting bigger I’m looking forward to doing more of this stuff again! I believe we all support each other on a shift by shift basis and am glad that this peer support program is in place to provide that next level of support. Feel free to call me any time you need to talk.
|
|
Stephen Sparks
Valley Regional Fire Authority |
Born and raised in the Lake Tapps area. I attended PLU where I earned degrees in Biology and Psychology. After college I owned and operated my own business, worked in retail, and different jobs in sales. Not finding any passion in those pursuits, I began volunteering with a local fire department. I was hired by the VRFA in 2009 and finally feel at home. I have always had a passion for helping others and take great pride in being the type of person my peers turn to and rely on.
If you ever feel the need to talk, or just want someone willing to listen, please contact me. |