Everett Fire Department Celebrates 133 Years Today

Everett Fire Department in 1909. Credit: Everett Public Library

The Everett Fire Department celebrates its 133rd birthday today.

If that sounds old, it is. The Everett Fire Department was established over a year before the incorporation of the city itself.

Being a lumber and mill town, it made a lot of sense to have firefighters ready to go. The Everett Fire Department started as a volunteer fire department in 1892.

Everett Fire Department ladder truck in front of the courthouse. Aug 1909. Credit: Everett Public Library

Firefighters always hold a special place in my heart. My late grandfather was a firefighter for the Los Angeles Fire Department, and my family was friends with Gary Parks, who died in the line of duty putting out the Everett Community College fire in 1987.

Chief Sam Grafton in 1906. Credit: Everett Museum of History Archives

Throughout time, firefighters have always put their lives on the line to rescue strangers, work odd hours, and heavily involve themselves in the community.

Modern firefighters are subject to far more than just firefighting. Increasing levels of automobile accidents and the drug epidemic have increased the burden put on fire departments.

For the Everett Fire Department, fire alarms and fire responses only account for 5% of incidents. Medical emergencies account for 86%.

The Everett Fire Department employs nearly 200 people: 149 firefighters, 34 paramedics, and 11 civilians. Everett has six fire engines, two ladder trucks, 3-4 aid units, 3 paramedic units, 1 medical services officer, and 1 battalion chief command unit.

In 2022, the department responded to over 27,500 fire and emergency medical incidents.

So happy 133rd birthday Everett Fire Department Make a wish, and make sure you fully extinguish those candles!