Eastside Fire & Rescue

At the EF&R Board of Directors Meeting last week, EF&R celebrated our 2025 Commendations and Employees of the Year. Congratulations to all!

- Lifesaving Award Lieutenant Ian D’Ambrosia
- Meritorious Award Retired Deputy Chief Greg Garat
- Meritorious Award Deputy Chief Justin Walker
- Meritorious Award Lieutenant Paul Mendenhall
- Distinguished Award Retired Engineer Matt Plush
- Special Unit Citation Shop Group (Justin Kiske, Harold Morrill, Chad Fausset, Ryan Lenihan, Kevin Scott)
- Firefighter of the Year Firefighter Anna Erickson (not pictured)
- Officer of the Year Lieutenant Peter Briner
- Support Staff of the Year Administrative Assistant Rosa Fuquay

EF&R Headquarters is closed today in observation of June 19th. Our office will reopen on Monday, June 22. EF&R Firefighters remain on duty and servicing our community.

Tonight, EF&R was called to reports of smoke at a residence with a smoke alarm sounding. Thankfully, the call was only burnt food on the stove. Engine 173 was provided with cold lemonade by the neighbors, which made everyone’s night!

The hot weather has made our local lakes and rivers a popular place to visit. Please remember we have TEN life jacket loaner stations in our service area. Borrowing a life jacket is free and could save your life, especially in the cold water. Thank you to the Eastside Firefighters Benevolent Fund for funding these stations. A map below for a full list of locations.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=2faaa40397fb47cab9f52bd484e542dc&extent=-123.478,46.4188,-121.5609,47.226

Come join Eastside Fire & Rescue and the City of Carnation for a Wildfire Trivia Night at Big Block Brewing Carnation!

On Thursday, June 25th, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, get ready for summer by putting your wildfire safety knowledge to the test.

Stopping to cool off the kids at Depot Park in Issaquah. It’s hot out there!

We are seeking qualified candidates to apply for a full time Grants & Emergency Management Analyst position. Come join our team of fire service professionals!
Full description at https://eastsidefireandrescue.bamboohr.com/careers/2

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is proposing to prohibit residential yard waste burning, including leaves, clippings, and prunings, across all of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Three online workshop sessions are available for you to share what you think about the proposed changes before the formal public comment period begins in Fall 2026. Learn more at pscleanair.gov/RAOB

EF&R is on scene of a water rescue at Lake Sammamish State Park. One male swimmer in his 30’s was seen floating facedown in the swimming area near his inflatable water chair. Bystanders were able to pull him to shore and begin CPR. Rescue teams from EF&R, Issaquah Police Department and Bellevue (WA) Fire Department worked for 30 minutes to regain a shockable rhythm. The patient was transported to an area hospital. This is a reminder the waters at Lake Sammamish and all our area waters are chilly and often don’t have Lifeguards on duty. The weather is warming up but our local waters are dangerously cold.