David Hiltwein passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015 in Kennewick, WA as the result of Scleroderma-related complications. David was born on February 26, 1952 in Pasco, WA to Leo Hiltwein and Viola Hiltwein and lived in Kennewick his entire life. He graduated from both Kennewick High School and Columbia Basin College. He proudly served as a Hanford Fire Fighter and EMT for 37 years (1974-2011). He was also a volunteer Fire Fighter with Benton County Fire District #1 for 31 years (1971-2002). He was a loyal supporter of his Union IAFF Local 1-24, where he served as the Vice President for many years.

David is remembered for his compassion, sense of humor, practical jokes, strong work ethic, teaching abilities, and steel trap memory. He loved hunting, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, knife making, riding his Harley Davidson, attending car shows, and burning rubber in his 1967 EI Camino. He was a dedicated fan of the Seattle Seahawks and loved watching and attending football games with his friends and family...

"Bud" was born in Niagara Falls, New York on July 31, 1941 and passed on October 4, 2014, from complications of a long illness. He is survived by his wife Annette and grown children Shelby and Ross (April) and grandchildren Marcus, Sarah, Seth and Grace, and sisters Nancy, Carol and Sandee (Chuck). He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews and a special S.O.N. Mike. Bud was preceded in death by baby brothers, George and Jeffrey and parents George and Corinne Eaton. Bud loved his country and his fellow man unselfishly. He was a great man, citizen, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will truly be missed...

It is with deep sadness that the Washington Fire Chiefs announces the passing of Dr. Robert Barnard.   Dr. "Bob", 84, served as a firefighter for Thurston County Fire District #9 beginning in 1974 and continued to serve the community in his later years as a fire commissioner.  A college professor and fire service safety expert, he was instrumental in the development of the WAC 296-305 Safety Standards for Firefighters as well as several other state-wide training initiatives.  Most recently Dr. "Bob" assisted the Washington Fire Chiefs & Washington Fire Commissioners Association in developing model policies to comply with the WAC 296-305.  Dr. Bob's knowledge, talents and expertise will be missed by the  Washington Fire Chiefs but he leaves a tremendous legacy in the Washington State fire service...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Wahl on Wednesday January 15, 2014. George began his service to the Skykomish community in the fire department in 1979. In 1992, George was appointed Volunteer Fire Chief for King County Fire Protection District #50, beginning his fulltime career as Chief in May of 1993, serving until 2005 when he retired. 

After moving to Skykomish George Wahl and his family have contributed in many ways to the Skykomish Valley. George operated Maloney’s General Store, built tow trucks with Josh’s, served as Town Marshal, WA State DOT aviation, and owned his own business Wahl Excavation. George was always willing to drop what he was doing to lend a helping hand. 

It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that the Washington Fire Chiefs announces the passing of Captain Don Navarre, a 23-year member of the IAFF. Capt. Navarre lost his 9-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on January 19th.