Tacoma, WA
EOW: Dec. 14, 2022 | Cause: Cardiac Arrest
Age: 45 Tour: 17 Years Badge: N/A
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Beloved Central Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighter John Garner died Wednesday, December 14, 2022. John was on duty and involved in swift water rescue training on December 13th and was taken out of training and sent home due to feeling ill & minor chest pains. He went to bed that night and was found deceased at home the next morning.
Garner had worked as a firefighter and paramedic with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue since 2016. He previously worked in Ocean Shores for 10 years, according to Pierce County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 726 union. “The hole that is left by the loss of John, it can’t be filled,” said Ocean Shores Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Ritter. Ritter worked with Garner for 10 years on the Washington coast. He said Garner’s duties included rescuing swimmers on the beach. “It takes a real special person to jump into the Pacific Ocean, into the rip currents,” said Ritter.
Garner was an active member and leader in his firefighter’s union, serving on the executive board and honor guard. He recently graduated from the 7th District Executive Leadership Series Class II, where Garner spent over a year taking advanced union leadership classes. Only “a select few” accomplish this, the union said. The union said Garner was also instrumental in his community, spearheading the union’s annual adopt-a-family holiday campaign, which helps provide needy families with food and gifts. Garner headed up the program every year, motivating co-workers to make donations and raise money for families in need. Garner’s work doubled the number of adopted families who got help, according to the department.
John had an unquenchable thirst for life and laughter. When not aiding the citizens he served or working on behalf of our members, his time was spent traveling, riding his motorcycles, and supporting his beloved Seahawks. John did all this and more with his loving family at his side. John is survived by his fiancée (39), and her 13-year-old son.
Through the generosity of our donors, we had the honor of hand-delivering vital resources to help ease their financial hardship while mourning.
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