Ilwaco Fire Dept. named best in the state

Published 4:46 pm Monday, May 27, 2024

WENATCHEE — Had he been there, Sparky the fire dog would have been wagging his tail.

The dress code and theme of the recent annual awards banquet for the Washington State Fire Fighters Association in Wenatchee was Hawaiian.

And members of the Ilwaco Fire Department were certainly in a sunny mood when they learned that they had been named Fire House of the Year for the state of Washington. They joined individuals from around the state whose service was highlighted at the banquet.

“We are beyond honored,” said an ecstatic Jeff Archer, Ilwaco’s fire chief. “Thank you to all of our volunteers for making our department what it is and for all you do for our community.”

The state association has worked since 1923 to enhance the capabilities and professionalism of Washington volunteer firefighters. To qualify for consideration of the Fire House award, departments must document their fire-safety outreach programs, especially with schools, as well as offer citizen CPR and first-aid classes.

Ilwaco documented it had met the criteria in addition to other outreach programs based on a threefold goal of safety, education and prevention. These included appearances at a booth at the Ilwaco Saturday Market, car seat education and a bicycle rodeo. Other community services with a safety theme included promoting smoke detectors. Sparky the mascot makes regular appearances at community events. A program to try to help prevent seniors from falling is planned, too.

The Ilwaco Hook and Ladder Co. (also known as the Ilwaco Fire Department), will mark its 137th birthday Aug. 10. It was founded in 1887, two years before Washington became a state, in part in response to an Astoria fire in 1883. Pioneers bought an early pumper for $15. It is still displayed in the fire hall.

Archer noted the ambulance component of the department is wholly operated by volunteers. Since June 2023, members have transported more than 200 patients and covered more than 23,000 miles.

“The thing that makes our fire department is the heart and the dedication our volunteers have to our community and to each other,” the chief noted.