Friday Harbor Fire Department 1909-2010

Friday Harbor Fire Department 1909-2010 In remembrance of the longest running, most iconic, and ultimately most under-appreciated fire servi

Founded in the summer of 1909, the Friday Harbor Fire Department celebrated its centennial in 2009; only to be forced into closure by the end of 2010. In its time, the Friday Harbor Fire Department brought many firsts to San Juan County; not the least of which, the first dedicated emergency response agency. The FHFD became known for providing competent fire service to its customers, while maintain

ing a small budget; and also founded many community staples, including the very popular Thrift House, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, The Haunted Firehouse, and providing transport for Santa Claus at Christmas. Thanks go to Rick Galer and his 2010 book "Hose Carts and Hydrants," which provides a great historical record of a wonderful (and greatly missed) little fire department.

10/24/2025
April 9-15 is National Telecommunicators Week.  The nation’s public safety dispatchers and call receivers are on the fro...
04/10/2023

April 9-15 is National Telecommunicators Week. The nation’s public safety dispatchers and call receivers are on the front lines of emergency response; and largely go unnoticed. They have a job that requires intelligence, quick thinking, and the ability to empathetically work through situations that are frequently horrible in nature in an effective manner. It can be a difficult task; and the mental stress involved is significant. If you come across a telecommunicator this week,give them a hug, shake their hand, or at least say thanks. They’ve certainly earned it.

01/13/2023

It has been quite some time since I have posted on this page, and it is increasingly being taken up by spam, and unrelated content. This page was established as a means to remember and celebrate the Friday Harbor Fire Department, and it is my hope that anyone with memories or pictures from the FHFD will share them on this page. Any content not related to the Friday Harbor Fire Department or emergency services will be deleted from this page.

Join us this Saturday at 3 pm, as we say goodbye to a great individual.
06/20/2018

Join us this Saturday at 3 pm, as we say goodbye to a great individual.

David F. Jones passed away peacefully in Seattle on May 6, 2018, at the age of 78 after an 18-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Subsequently, he underwent training as a nuclea...

Just in time for Independence Day, Engine 1 emerged from the body shop after two years, with a fresh coat of paint and n...
07/10/2016

Just in time for Independence Day, Engine 1 emerged from the body shop after two years, with a fresh coat of paint and new lettering. Complements to the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Firefighters' Association, Larry's Autobody and The Sign Shop for getting this done!

The back of this photo says September 1983; it shows officers of the Friday Harbor Harbor Fire Department, standing in f...
06/15/2014

The back of this photo says September 1983; it shows officers of the Friday Harbor Harbor Fire Department, standing in front of the Ford van that was then acting as Rescue 4. From left to right: Lt. Carl Chambers, Lt. Frank Wilson, Chief Frank Miner, Lt. Cynthia DeStaffany, and Lt. Dick Mayhew. Sadly, Chambers and Wilson are no longer with us. Likewise, the Ford van is long gone; though its siren lives on with a local collector.

1995 Fire Department Award recipients; L to R:  Kyle Davies--Whispering Pete Award, Nancy Altman--Fire Department Award,...
05/15/2014

1995 Fire Department Award recipients; L to R: Kyle Davies--Whispering Pete Award, Nancy Altman--Fire Department Award, Tiar Black--Community Service Award, Lisa Thomas--Rookie of the Year, Tom Eades--Firefighter of the Year, Martin Adams--Driver of the Year, Chief Howard Rosenfeld.

FHFD official portrait, 2008.  L to R:  Jane Hutchison, Jake Gustafson, Bob Pauls, Andy Urbach, Larry Metcalf, Chuck Rus...
05/13/2014

FHFD official portrait, 2008. L to R: Jane Hutchison, Jake Gustafson, Bob Pauls, Andy Urbach, Larry Metcalf, Chuck Rust, Capt. Peter Risser, Lt. Ian Walt, Rick Rohwer, Matt Del Grosso, Lt. Susan Risser, Lt. David Jones (on running board), Lucas Ferguson (pump walkthrough), Mike Deegan, John Miller, Harry See, Robin Dyer, Dan Frymire, Vickie Miller, Terry Sanders, Ron Stanger, Keri Talbott, Jeremy Talbott, Asst. Chief Tom Eades, Chief Vern Long, Training Chief Frank Chaffee, Zaim Melic, Ron Garner.

John Miller Photo

An outstanding class of recruit firefighters gather for their official portrait.  From left to right:  Matt Delgrosso, J...
05/11/2014

An outstanding class of recruit firefighters gather for their official portrait. From left to right: Matt Delgrosso, Jeremy Talbott, Larry Metcalf, Keri Eathorne, Bob Pauls, Jake Gustafson, Jane Hutchison, Chuck Rust and Daniel Frymire. Jeremy and Keri would eventually get married.

Hose 1; 1914 hose cart, one of two purchased that year.  In service 1914-1944.  Both hose carts restored by Rick Galer i...
05/08/2014

Hose 1; 1914 hose cart, one of two purchased that year. In service 1914-1944. Both hose carts restored by Rick Galer in the mid 80's; Hose 1 is stored at the former Town Station, Hose 2 is on display at the San Juan Island Historical Museum.

05/07/2014

Just in time for Independence Day; Engine 11 arrives home to Town Station from the dealer for the first time, On July 1, 2010.

Address

260 West Street
Friday Harbor, WA
98250

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Friday Harbor Fire Department 1909-2010 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share