Salute to Our Local Firefighters 2023

Presented

An integral part of the community

Lynden Assistant Chief

By Bill Helm Editor

LYNDEN — Growing up on the east coast, Kristie Dingle-Watson grew up with parents who encouraged her to follow a career in medicine.

Lynden’s assistant fire chief said her parents “constantly reinforced giving back to the community and being a pleasant person.”

Watson also said she enjoyed "spending time with my siblings (three brothers, one sister) and their children."

Although she started out as a candy striper in a local hospital at 13, Watson became a medical explorer for the Boy Scouts of America by the time she was 15. She explained both opportunities involved working directly with nurses, physicians and other medical professionals as well as patients.

Watson continued to volunteer as a medical explorer until 1994 when she graduated high school. She then attended college, where she studied nursing. After establishing a career

in nursing, Watson went to the fire academy.

Then, after two decades as a firefighter, program coordinator and training chief, Watson became Lynden’s assistant fire chief in October 2022.

The following is from a series of questions the Lynden Tribune asked Watson about the journey that led her to a career in firefighting, and eventually a home in the Pacific Northwest.

Lynden Tribune: How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a firefighter?

Kristie Watson: I was introduced to firefighting by my oldest brother. He was in the Navy and was trained as a firefighter. However, I didn’t explore becoming a firefighter until 2002, after my second son was born. I started late in the fire service; I was 26 years old when I enrolled in my first class.

Tribune: Was this an epiphany? Or did a series of incidents guide you to fire prevention?

Watson: Initially, I wanted to spend more time with my EX-significant

other. But as I completed classes, I fell in love with the brotherhood, helping others and being an integral part of the community.

Tribune: Who were your role models growing up?

Watson: My parents, of course. But also Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribune: Who are your role models today?

Watson: I still value my parents (my dad died July 4, 2002) and their contributions to society. While I still value Lincoln, Ken-

one during their hardest time, be it a fire or other emergency incident. I also love sharing my love for this profession with others.

Tribune: What do you like most about Lynden and the Pacific Northwest?

Watson: I love the small town feel of Lynden. Very reminiscent of my time living overseas. I also like the weather and the opportunities here. I could walk a trail on Mount Baker this morning and head out for some Stand Up Paddling on Lake Whatcom after lunch. I am enjoying a new atmosphere, new experiences, and the opportunity to travel to Canada anytime.

Tribune: Tell me about your duties, responsibilities, what you like about Lynden Fire Department and the folks whom you work with?

Watson: I work closely with Chief Billmire and Kinsey DeHaan in managing the daily duties of Lynden Fire Department.

That entitles administrative duties such as budgeting, developing training curriculum, as well as responding to incidents.

nedy and King, I also value Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell and Nedra Tawwab. Chief Mark Billmire (Lynden Fire Department), Chief Rachel Carlson (Everson FD), and Chief Chris Carleton (Point Roberts FD) have also been very valuable as role models in this new journey.

Tribune: What do you like most about being a firefighter?

Watson: I absolutely adore helping others. I love knowing that as a firefighter I can leave a positive, lasting memory for some-

Currently I am working on exploring new software to help manage our inventory supplies as well as a repository for our training records.

I also manage and perform Fire & Life Safety Inspections of businesses within Lynden city limits. I love the dedication of our members with providing the best care and/ or response to the Lynden community.

We are very invested in not just being coworkers but also a family.

Tribune: How much longer do you look forward

As a firefighter,

Kristie DingleWatson ‘can leave a positive, lasting memory for someone during their hardest time’

Since October 2022, Kristie Dingle-Watson has been assistant chief with the Lynden Fire Department. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

to doing what you do?

Watson: My goal is to work another 5-10 years.

Tribune: Any plans after you retire as a firefighter?

Watson: I would like to travel and enjoy time with my significant other.

Tribune: Tell me about your family, both your childhood family and your own family as an adult. Tell me how they have supported you following your dreams and reaching your goals.

Watson: I have three brothers and one sister, all of whom are older than me. My father was a U.S. Army officer (retired), then a counselor at Vocation Rehabilitation (retired). He died July 4, 2002. My mother was a nurse, now retired.

My oldest brother, Marshall is a retired Navy man and US Postal Service employee. My brother Jamie is a retired computer programmer for Mack Trucks, now robotic maintenance manager for Volvo Industries.

My brother Reginald works for a car dealership. My dear sister Connie works at Mr. B’s Restaurant & Catering as kitchen manager. In my family, I have two adult sons, Tristan and Jordan. They followed me to Lynden from South Carolina. Tristan works at a horse farm and has a goal of working as a wildland firefighter at some point. He already has his firefighter credentials and certifications. Jordan works at a lumber mill in Everson and has goals of becoming a personal chef. He has completed course work and is currently working on his signature meals.

My partner, Kurt, has two twin girls, Anaias and Rowan. Our blended family totals six, all under one roof and we love it.

My boys grew up in the fire service. They have been with me in classes, at training, around the fire house and climbing on and around apparatus.

My boys are my biggest cheerleaders. Even when I worked as a firefighter at Aiken Department of Public Safety, working 24 hours on/48 hours off, they didn’t complain about missing holidays or birthdays or family events.

I dove headfirst into firefight-

ing, seriously pursuing education, experience and becoming the best firefighter I could be, after my father died. My siblings thought it was a phase. But I was done with nursing and decided firefighting was as fulfilling.

Over the past 20 years, my family has come around and celebrated my successes and came to my assistance as I recovered from injuries sustained while firefighting. Kurt is very supportive. He’s the best. He’s up with me if I get called out in the middle of the night and manages the household when I’m out of town for training, conferences, etc.

Tribune: Anything else you’d like to talk about?

Watson: I am very appreciative of my work family. Everyone strives to accomplish Lynden’s core values of open communication, teamwork, community, excellence, and integrity.

I will forever be grateful to Chief Billmire, Mayor Scott Korthuis, Kinsey DeHaan and all the employees of City of Lynden for their warm welcomes and openness in welcoming me and my family.

-- Contact Bill Helm at bill@ lyndentribune.com.

TOP PHOTO: Lynden Assistant Fire Chief Kristie Dingle-Watson, foreground left, at a firefighter training on April 20, 2023. After a career in nursing, Watson "dove headfirst into firefighting, seriously pursuing education, experience and becoming the best firefighter I could be." (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune) ABOVE LEFT: Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis officially welcomes Watson to the Lynden Fire Department. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune) ABOVE RIGHT: Watson tends to a tomato plant at the Lynden Fire Station. (Photo courtesy Mary Lou Childs)

HOT TIP:

Only plug in one heat-producing appliance (such as a toaster, heating blanket, coffee maker, etc.) into an outlet at a time.

GLACIER FIRE DEPT.

FIRE DISTRICT 7 Ferndale

FIRE DISTRICT 7 Ferndale

FIRE DISTRICT 7 Ferndale

HOT TIP: Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to make sure they're functional in case of emergency.

FIRE DISTRICT 7 Ferndale

NOT PICTURED SUPPORT DIVISION

NOT PICTURED VOLUNTEERS

NOT PICTURED CADETS

s e c o n d c o u n t s

W h e n e v e r y

DIAL 911

W h e n y o u shoul d u s e 9 1 1

All f ire emergencies.

When you need any type of law enforcement assistance. When you or someone else needs immediate medical aid.

W h e n y o u shoul d n ot u s e 9 1 1

For routine business calls or inquir ies about Fire, Medical or Law Enforcement matters.

When you have non-emergency business suc h as: Billing infor mation for ambulance ser vice t hat you have received.

How to obtain burning per mits

For general inquir ies or follow -up infor mation regarding law enforcement matters t hat have already been repor ted.

This Page Sponsored by

Ho w do I u s e 9 1 1?

Remain calm. Dial 9-1-1.

Give t he dispatc her t he following infor mation:

What is t he emergency?

Where is t he emergency? Also, if possible, t he closest street intersection.

The Fire District you are located in, if it is a fire or medical emergency.

Your Name and Address!

The Phone Number from whic h you are calling.

FIRE DISTRICT 11 Lummi Island

HOT TIP: For deaf and hard-of-hearing people, consider smoke detectors with strobe lights or pillow shakers that activate after a smoke alarm goes off.

FIRE DISTRICT 14 Kendall

FIRE DISTRICT 14 Sumas

FIRE DISTRICT 16

ank you to all of the brave individuals who keep us safe each and every day

ROBERT FOX Firefighter 13 Years

JANA MIESUK Firefighter 5 Years

HEATHER FORTHOFER EMT 1 Year

ERICA COOK Firefighter 1 Year

BRAD FALCETTI Firefighter 1 Year

FIRE DISTRICT 17 Sandy Point

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE HOT TIP: Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.

FIRE DISTRICT 21 North Whatcom Fire & Rescue

FIRE DISTRICT 21 North Whatcom Fire & Rescue

NOT PICTURED:

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Note: Whatcom County Fire District 21 currently shares its staff with Whatcom County Fire District 4.

LAURA BREWER-YARNALL Volunteer Support 5 Months

TOMMY ERICKSON Volunteer Support 2 Years

CASEY MARTIN Volunteer Support 5 Months

GEORGE HARGENRADER Volunteer Support 5 Months

AARON JONASSON Volunteer Support 4 Months

RYAN MACK Fleet Mechanic 1 Year

It’s very important that you take precautions when it comes to fire. Always practice these safety tips:

Never play with matches or lighters

Do not handle gasoline or other liquids that burn

Be careful around stoves, heaters and open fires

Do not cook unless an adult is present

If smoke is around, stay low to the ground

REMEMBER, if something catches fire, get help.

Call 9-1-1. Kids and adults should work together to form an emergency plan, including an escape route.

Don’t forget to practice the plan.

Comparta lo que Sparky el Perro Bombero está haciendo

su comunidad durante la Semana de Prevención de Incendios y ¡todos sus esfuerzos de seguridad contra incendios!

Coloree y recorte a Sparky, luego comparta sus viajes en las redes sociales con #semanadeprevenciondeincendios