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Honor the legacy of Pierce County's fallen firefighters. Our Final Alarm commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, bravely serving Pierce County communities until their last call. These heroes dedicated their lives to protecting others, and we remember them not just for their service, but for their courage and commitment. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
With profound sadness, we share the passing of Graham Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Todd Jensen, who passed away from a sudden medical event on July 24, 2023, while on vacation. His unexpected passing has left his family, friends, and the entire Graham Fire & Rescue family in shock and mourning.
Todd dedicated over three decades to Graham Fire & Rescue, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1991 before becoming a career firefighter/paramedic in 1996. Over his 31-year career, he served in various roles, including Firefighter and Assistant Chief of Operations, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the fire service. Todd is survived by his wife and two daughters, and our hearts are with them as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the line-of-duty death of Paramedic John M. Garner, IAFF 7th District Local 726, who passed away on December 14, 2022, at the age of 45 after suffering a medical emergency.
Born in Sunnyside, Washington on March 20, 1977, John spent his early years in Othello and much of his youth in Marysville before settling in Tenino with his partner Carlyn Parker and their son Preston. John and Carlyn’s love story came full circle when they reunited four years ago, building a life filled with love, home improvement projects, and cherished moments with their son. Known for his welcoming personality, John loved hosting friends in his man cave, showing off his newfound hobby of smoking whiskey, and passionately supporting his beloved Seattle Seahawks as a season ticket holder. Whether singing karaoke, swing dancing, or simply spending time with those he cared about, John brought joy and energy to everyone around him.
John’s dedication to service spanned his entire life, beginning with the Marysville Fire Department before serving two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, where he played a vital role in the first free elections. Returning home, he continued his fire service career as a Lieutenant in Ocean Shores before joining Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, where he also served as an Executive Leader with IAFF Seventh District. John was known for his unwavering support of others, encouraging those around him to be their best while loving them unconditionally.
He leaves behind his beloved Carlyn, son Preston, and dog Ruby, along with parents Tamra and James Garner and John and Lori Steinbock, siblings, nieces, nephews, and an extended family of friends and firefighter brothers and sisters. John’s legacy of love, service, and kindness will forever be remembered.
Brian Albert Annis-Levings, surrounded by his loving family, went to be with his Father in Heaven on November 20, 2022. Born on October 28, 1970, in Portland, Oregon, Brian was raised in Vancouver, Washington before moving to Ridgefield with his mother and stepfather.
A 1989 Ridgefield High School graduate, Brian married the love of his life in December 1994 and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications from Concordia University. After working at Freightliner for ten years, Brian followed his passion for emergency services, completing paramedic training and joining Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in 2002.
Serving first as a firefighter/paramedic and later as a Deputy Fire Marshal, Brian dedicated his career to protecting his community and mentoring fellow firefighters. Despite his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was raising his daughters and spending time with his family in Elma, Washington, cherishing every moment God gave him.
Brian lived life to the fullest, pursuing a wide range of outdoor adventures including flying, skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering, hunting, and fly fishing. He was a man of deep faith, teaching Bible classes, serving on the boards of Child Evangelism Fellowship and Heart and Hands Pregnancy Center, and volunteering at Shiloh Bible Camp and Beehive Retirement Facility.
One of his most treasured experiences was visiting Israel in 2016 to walk the land of the Bible. Brian’s passion for serving others extended to coaching Special Olympics track, teaching youth archery, and volunteering in his daughters’ classrooms and with the Central Pierce Honor Guard. He is survived by his wife Nissa, daughters Jacqueline and Melissa, his parents, siblings, and many loving family and friends.
Larry was born in Giessen, Germany in 1948 and at age 8, arrived in the United States with his mom and grandparents. Larry didn’t speak English when he got to the US, but his family made it a priority that he learn. Larry applied for and was granted US citizenship. Larry Graduated Lakes High School in Lakewood Washington in 1966, and then he became a free spirit with long hair, a beard and a motorcycle.
He started his first career in High School as a mechanic and continued that until he was hired by Pierce County Fire district 15 on 10/01/1980. Larry had been a volunteer for Town of Eatonville and PCFD#15 since 1977. Larry began dating Patty in March of 1975 and they were married on December 31st, 1975. Larry and Patty have 4 children, Cindy Werner, Rob Spohn, Susie Olsen, and Mari who was tragically taken from them at the age of 13. They also have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Besides Firefighting and his Family Larry was an avid outdoorsman. Larry could be found on his boat in Sekiu May through September and October through November he would be in the woods chasing grouse, turkeys, elk or deer. Larry and Patty spent the last several years together traveling and seeing the sights as full-time RV Travelers. They loved history, together they would visit museums and historical sights just for the experience.
Larry Spohn was a Firefighters Chief; he loved to train and lead firefighters but more than that he loved the firefighters he led. Larry worked tirelessly to ensure the members below him were taken care of. Larry had a way of making the days short, he laughed and joked but you knew what was expected of you. Larry didn’t demand respect, he earned it and he gave it back. Larry on more than one occasion put his career on the line to stand up for his subordinates and ensure that the firefighters he led were taken care of. After a 34-year career Larry retired on April 1st, 2013, as Assistant Chief in charge of training. A few months later Larry was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and would fight to spend every moment making memories with those he loved for nearly 8 years before passing on 10/16/2022 surrounded by loved ones.
It’s with a heavy heart that Orting Valley Fire and Rescue and the International Association of Firefighters Local 4459 announce the passing of one of our beloved members, Captain Art Vazquez. Captain Vazquez took his own life as a result of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. The Orting Valley Fire and Rescue family will pull together to make sure they get all the support they need.
While we are hurting with the loss of Captain Vazquez and struggling to understand it, we are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our community and firefighting family. We will not be answering any questions or providing additional information at this time but rather focusing our efforts on supporting Captain Vazquez’s family and the men and women of Orting Valley Fire and Rescue.
David dedicated his life to serving others. He began his professional fire service career with Pierce County Fire District 9 in 1985, as one of their first paramedics; he later accepted a lateral fire fighter position with Puyallup, becoming their first fire/paramedic, and soon began working on a fire-based Advanced Life Support service for the city.
While fighting a structure fire, an exterior wall fell on David's company and he was trapped by burning debris, receiving serious burns and a broken back. But after successful treatment, returned to full duty. David's entire career was spent in improving the delivery of quality pre-hospital emergency medical services. Off-duty he enjoyed his other passion, his red Fire Fighter Edition Harley Davidson. David will be remembered as a loving father, friend and brother and is greatly missed.