East Pierce Firefighters

09/03/2026

Rain or shine, we are here to serve you! And we feel especially lucky when it comes with views like this! 😍

08/26/2026

Ever wonder what’s underneath the cab of a fire engine?

As part of our weekly engine checks, crews at Station 118 lifted the cab and walked our probationary firefighter through what to look for and how to check it.

Learning the apparatus inside and out is all part of becoming a firefighter and making sure our rigs are ready when you need us!

08/21/2026

Mike Cooper, retired Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760 member and Washington State Legislature elected... someone who left it better than he found it, for both Washington residents, but for firefighters of our state as well. Rest in peace Mike. Thank you for your service... and sending love to your wife, children, and extended family.

With heavy hearts, the WSCFF reports the death of Retirees Association board member Mike Cooper, IAFF 1760, August 20, 2026. Brother Cooper passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, after an extended illness.

The son of a firefighter, Mike served as a member of the Shoreline Fire Department for more than 30 years. He served as president of IAFF Local 1760 for many years.

In addition to his fire service career, Mike served as Edmonds Mayor, Elma City Council member, and four terms representing the people of Washington’s 21st Legislative District in the House of Representatives

Mike was a champion for working families and the fire service. As a State Representative, he worked to reduce LEOFF 2 retirement age to 53, expand presumptive coverage for firefighters, pass I-790, and implement the LEOFF Plan 2 governance board.

In 2010, Mike was awarded the Walt Lambert Labor Leader award by the WSCFF. He was elected to the Retirees Association Board in 2023.

Mike was a champion, not only for firefighters, but for all workers in Washington. He will be missed.

Information about a memorial service will be shared when available. Mike’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WSCFF Cancer Foundation.

08/20/2026

Friendly competition with our friends at Edgewood PD / Pierce County Sheriff's Office during night #2 of the Edgewood PD Jr Police Academy. Check out the link in the comments for more info.

City of Edgewood

08/19/2026

The first annual First Responders Classic is officially in the books!

Your East Pierce Firefighters may not have taken home the trophy, but we had an absolute blast! Congrats to Tacoma Firefighter Local 31 on the win!

Thanks to West Pierce, Tacoma Fire, Tacoma Police and everyone who came out to cheer us on. And a huge thank you to Cheney Stadium and the Tacoma Rainiers for having us and being so accommodating. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to play!

Can’t wait to do it again next year. 🥎

Tacoma Firefighters - IAFF Local 31 West Pierce Firefighters Tacoma Police Department Tacoma Rainiers

08/18/2026

HAPPENING NOW: First Responders Classic @ Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers!

Your firefighters from East Pierce Fire & Rescue/East Pierce Firefighters, West Pierce Fire Fighters/West Pierce Fire Fighters, Tacoma Fire Department/Tacoma Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 31 and Tacoma Police Department/Tacoma Police Union IUPA Local 6 are playing each other in a softball game, at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.

This is the inagural event, called the "First Responder Classic". We are all proud to participate and enjoy some good fun. Check the link for live coverage....

Play ball!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C1J9Swaq

08/17/2026

Today, your East Pierce Firefighters and law enforcement responded to a serious incident in the 13800 Blk of SR165 E.

Sadly, after your firefighters and police arrived, it was determined that one person had died.

Out of respect for the individual, their family, and those who knew and loved them, we will not be sharing additional details about what happened. Even when an incident occurs in a public place, there is still a person, a family, and a story that deserves dignity, care, and compassion. We also want to be careful not to assume we know the full story. Moments like this are painful and complex, and they can affect family members, witnesses, responders, and the broader community.

If you are struggling, or if someone you love is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone, and help is available.

You can call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. You can also contact the Pierce County Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764.

Please take care of each other. Check on the people you love. And if you are hurting, please let someone know.

08/14/2026

IAFF Local 3520 is proud to have had 3 members representing our Local at the IAFF’s 58th Convention this past week and to support Resolution No. 30, honoring Brother Ricky J. Walsh as IAFF 7th District Vice President Emeritus.

Brother Walsh has dedicated more than four decades to organized labor, mentoring generations of union leaders and strengthening the Magnificent 7th District. His leadership created lasting programs, including Fire Ops 101, the New Members Conference, and the Executive Leadership Series (ELS), which will continue shaping our union for years to come. Through ELS, he has built a strong bench of labor leaders who will help move our union forward, including your very one L3520 President Hobi, a graduate of ELS!

Brother Walsh, thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to our members and the labor movement. Your reminders that we are all “humans under construction” and should always “be a good human” will continue to guide the leaders who follow in your footsteps.

We are also proud to welcome Brother Tim Hoover as our new 7th District Vice President. We are excited to see you step into this role and continue paving the way forward for the Magnificent 7th District.

Congratulations to Brother Walsh and Brother Hoover. The 7th District has a strong legacy and an exciting future!

08/12/2026

Across the Pacific Northwest, wildland firefighters continue to work around the clock as fires impact communities throughout the region.

Two of your East Pierce firefighters, Captain Lathrop and Firefighter Sundstrom, are currently deployed to the Little Giant Fire, which has grown to more than 127,000 acres and is just 5% contained. Last night, their strike team worked through the night protecting 18 structures after the fire jumped the line.

Lt. Bylin has been deployed to several different wildfires this season and is currently serving as a Division Supervisor on the Big Grass Fire.

They’re just three of the thousands of wildland firefighters working across the region during an incredibly difficult fire season. This season has also been a heartbreaking reminder of the risks these crews face, with multiple wildland firefighters losing their lives while working fires across the country.

Our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones, the communities impacted by these fires, the firefighters working day and night on the fireline, and the families waiting for them at home. ❤️

Stay safe out there. We’re proud of you.