Long-Time Fire Dispatcher Honored, Remembered

Wanted to pass this along from the Snohomish County 911 Facebook Page. Here at MyEverettNews.com we often recognize the first responders who keep Everett and Snohomish County safe. Before they can respond however there are a lot of behind the scenes folks who are also responsible for saving countless lives. One of those is Brent Fouse, who spent 28 years as a fire dispatcher and trainer working out of the Everett communications center. He recently passed away and here is what Snohomish 911 shared today.

It is with a heavy heart that Snohomish County 911 reports the death of one of our own: 28-year veteran Fire Dispatcher Brent Fouse. Brent served the community for nearly 3 decades, taking thousands and thousands of 911 calls in the process- a vast number routine, some joyful and plenty tragic. His file is filled with an array of commendations. Many of the calls he had a role in were only known to the few directly involved, while other incidents had a lasting impact on many of our citizens. A small number of those major incidents range from earthquakes, major windstorms, September 11th terrorist attacks and the SR 530 landslide near Oso to a slew of structure and brush fires, the Jim Creek Road incident and the MPHS active shooter incident.

Brent was nominated for Washington State APCO’s Telecommunicator of the Year for an incident during which he calmed a hysterical caller who was trapped on the upper floor of a house that was engulfed in flames. The caller was lost in the choking smoke. He encouraged and guided her to an open window where she jumped to safety. Fire officials commended his work and advised if it were not for his actions she likely would have perished.

Brent served for many years as a Communications Training Officer; he has trained numerous people over the years. Brent instilled his patience, passion and dedication for public safety in them. One trainee fondly remembers how gently Brent always responded, never making the trainee feel bad for making an error. Another example showed Brent’s tenure and skill while guiding his trainee through a tense assault and kidnapping where the caller and her child were being held and driven in a car. Brent’s actions and leadership allowed them to be located and eventually rescued without incident.

Brent’s commitment to the community didn’t stop when his shift ended: he volunteered to participate in National Night Out events as well as an educational forum for medical care staff hosted by Cascade Valley Hospital. This forum allowed Brent to educate the public on the 911 processes and protocols of pre-hospital care.
Prior to serving the community working at 911, Brent served his country in the United States Air Force. Throughout his life, Brent was also active in the community and his church. For years he visited the Monroe Correctional Complex sharing his faith, compassion, and hope with others. Brent and his wife, Alice, also served on the Foster Parent Association of Snohomish County. They fostered 15 children and hosted many more to provide other foster parents needed breaks. Brent and Alice adopted 5 children in addition to having one of their own, all of whom he loved dearly.

Brent cared about his co-workers as well. He volunteered to serve in several capacities in which he represented the needs of his co-workers. For much of his career he held a position as union president or other executive union positions, including roles in contract negotiations and as an insurance trust board member. We honestly don’t know where he found the time.

One of Brent’s email addresses was a-rare-kind-of-wonder. It is believed he was referring to the joy he found in his family and his life of service. But to those of us who were blessed enough to know him it meant something else. Brent was uncomplaining in illness and fatigue. He was ever ready to make people smile through his jokes, but equally ready to listen and be a personal friend to those around him. We agree, he truly was a rare kind of wonder.
Yesterday, Snohomish County Fire District 7 Honor Guard members presented Brent’s family with the United States flag that flew over the Snohomish County 911 communications center in Everett. Today, many of Brent’s co-workers and friends have the privilege of standing alongside his family to celebrate his life. Brent will always be a part of our dispatch family. His legacy will live on through his devoted years of service to public safety and the positive example he set those around him.

Brent Fouse – Snohomish County #153, thank you for your life saving work. Rest in Peace.