As Captain Joel Strange enters retirement, he reflects on just how swiftly the years have passed. He began his firefighting career in August 1994 with the City of Richland, Washington. In January 1998, Strange joined the City of Auburn Fire Department and devoted himself to protecting and serving its residents.

Before he became a structural firefighter, Strange spent his summers as a forest firefighter with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Those early, seasonal days battling wildfires helped him build a deep respect for nature’s unpredictability and power. That lasting commitment to public safety guided his transition into structural firefighting.

Strange’s decision to join the fire service wasn’t made lightly; inspiration came from family and friends who had blazed the trail before him. His Uncle and Aunt, both retired Captains from the Tacoma Fire Department, played a role, as did two brothers-in-law who made firefighting their careers. His father, a volunteer firefighter and commissioner in his hometown since 1978 (and still serving), further influenced him. Surrounded by a supportive group of friends in the same profession, Strange says he felt called to serve.

Throughout his career at Auburn, he contributed to several important initiatives. Early in his career, he was deeply involved in rebuilding the Pre-Incident Planning Team. He also participated as an original member of the Red Card wildland team and represented the department as a JATC representative for several years. These roles helped shape the future of the Auburn Fire Department and the VRFA, connecting Strange with colleagues who shared his dedication and drive. Fire Chief Brad Thompson says, “Joel has been someone I admired throughout my career. He’s value-driven, hardworking, and a problem solver, even under extreme pressure. Joel’s the kind of Fire Captain you want working your incident, and his grit and problem-solving mindset made everyone around him better.”

Strange received recognition such as the Medal of Commendation and a Unit Citation, but the most valuable reward, he says, has always been working alongside his team. “Nothing compares to the camaraderie and professionalism of those I’ve been privileged to serve with each day,” says Strange.

Strange says without a doubt, he will miss the people, the laughter, the daily banter, and friendships forged through shared service. Among his fondest memories, he says, was the privilege of working alongside his son, an experience that brought his career full circle and filled him with pride.

As he steps into retirement, he looks forward to growing his business and, most importantly, embarking on new adventures with his wife and family. They plan to travel, explore, and make the most of this next chapter.