In late 2025, the Pacific Northwest faced a relentless atmospheric river event, resulting in historic rainfall and flooding that threatened many communities, including those protected by the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA). As rivers like the Green and White swelled, VRFA and its partner agencies were on high alert, preparing for the worst by upstaffing technical rescue teams and coordinating with regional, state, and federal public safety resources. This included the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from California, as well as support from law enforcement, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard.

Heroic Actions on December 16: The Story of Engine 338

In the early morning hours of December 16, 2025, Engine 338, staffed by Captain Guy Smith, Firefighter Tiffany Carlson, and Firefighter Robert Montaño, was among the first units to mobilize when reports came in of a levee breach and urgent calls for evacuation in Pacific. As floodwaters rapidly inundated neighborhoods, the crew of Engine 338 navigated waist-deep, fast-moving water to evacuate residents, including children and families trapped in dangerous conditions.

Captain Smith led his crew with decisive action, removing a child through a ground-floor window, breaking down fences to expedite evacuations, and guiding frightened residents to safety amidst darkness, cold, and hazardous debris. Firefighter Carlson, working alongside Captain Smith, demonstrated relentless determination, carrying children over obstacles and working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety. Firefighter Montaño, driving Engine 338 and assisting with evacuations, went door-to-door to warn and rescue residents, carrying children to higher ground and supporting technical rescue teams as the situation evolved.

For their extraordinary bravery under daunting circumstances:

• Captain Guy Smith and Firefighter Tiffany Carlson were awarded the Medal of Valor—the VRFA’s highest personal decoration for conspicuous bravery at significant personal risk.
• Firefighter Robert Montaño was awarded the Medal of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service that far exceeded the normal expectations of his position.

Team Excellence Recognized: Valorous Unit Citation

The courage demonstrated by Engine 338 was matched by other responding units. Crews from Engine 333 (Captain Troy Kilcup, FF Jim Franklin, FF Tim Roberts), River Rescue 333 (Captain Dan Sequist, FF Chase Lawrence, FF Johan Friis), and River Rescue 433 (Captain David Repnik, FF Vincent Brown, FF David DeVries) faced a chaotic, high-risk scene, navigating through hazardous materials, submerged vehicles, and strong currents to rescue dozens of stranded individuals and families. Their seamless teamwork and unwavering commitment exemplified the VRFA’s values of selfless service, integrity, and grit. All were awarded the Valorous Unit Citation, the highest unit honor for conspicuous bravery and direct lifesaving actions during emergency operations.

Supporting the Mission: Commendation for Leadership and Coordination

Behind the frontlines, leadership and coordination were critical to the successful outcome:

• Captain Scott McFeron, assigned to Engine 336, managed staging operations and communications with multiple outside agencies, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and earning the Medal of Commendation.
• Battalion Chiefs Gary Barker and Jim Allenbaugh (Battalion 331) led incident command, coordinating a massive, multi-agency response that resulted in the safe evacuation of entire neighborhoods. BC Barker was awarded the Medal of Merit for his decisive leadership, while BC Allenbaugh received the Meritorious Unit Citation for outstanding teamwork and service.

Orchestrating the Regional Response

The scale of the flooding demanded regional coordination and advance planning:

• Battalion Chief Jason Herman served as Branch Coordinator at Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority’s Station 73, working with federal and regional partners, and later as Safety Officer and liaison in the field. His technical expertise and leadership were vital before, during, and after the incident, earning him the Medal of Merit.
• Battalion Chief Paul Strong represented VRFA at the King County Regional Communication and Emergency Coordination Center, ensuring resource coordination among fire, law enforcement, the National Guard, and other agencies. His advocacy and foresight were crucial in mobilizing resources that saved lives, and he, too, was awarded the Medal of Merit.

Honoring the Commitment to Community

The December 2025 flooding was an unprecedented challenge for the Pacific Northwest, but it also showcased the best of the VRFA and its partners: courage, teamwork, and dedication to saving lives. We honor all those who responded, recognizing not only individual acts of valor but also the collective strength and professionalism that define our organization. On behalf of the communities we serve, thank you for answering the call in our time of greatest need.