Salty Dogs

L to R: Driver/Engineer Zach Hawkes (Keyboard), Jonas Palomino (Lead Guitar), Division Chief Casey Nash (Vocals/Guitar), Captain Brad Campbell (Drums), Captain Robert Nishiyama (Bass) Photos by Lindsey Bain Photography

by Jessica Tresp

It was over two years before a few of Wylie Fire Rescue members stopped talking about it and started playing in Captain Robert Nishiyama’s garage in 2021. The following spring, the Salty Dogs had its first public performance at the annual Wylie Fire Department family picnic, and fans were born.

“It started as a hobby, more than anything,” said Wylie Fire Division Chief Casey Nash. “The three of us started playing in Rob’s garage with no big intentions other than just getting together and hanging out.”

“We all had bands in high school with our friends,” Captain Brad Campbell added, “and we kept saying we should do that again. So we all had some kind of previous experience.”

Since adding two more members to round out the band, they’ve become local stars, playing charity events and crowding Herman Marshall and BackYard Murphy with their built-in fan base of first responder families. The Salty Dogs are made up of veteran fire and military members, including original band members, Brad, Casey, and Robert, as well as former Marine turned air traffic controller, Jonas Palomino, and Fire Engineer Zach Hawkes. With each of them on a different shift, finding time in their schedules is a challenge.

“We graduated from Rob’s garage to Zach’s wife’s photography studio and practice late at night when everybody’s kids are in bed," said Casey. “Zach is the youngster and the only one without kiddos, but everyone else is the dad of multiple kiddos. It’s probably not the smartest time in life for us to start a band.”

With a 25-year age gap from the youngest to oldest band member, they started with ‘90s country and rock favorites. But with public performances came song requests and, earlier this summer, they added Taylor Swift to the set list, most likely at a request from their children who range in age from 5 to 26 and act as their biggest fans. During their most recent show at Herman Marshall they debuted Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” to shocked faces and whooping cheers.

“The coolest part for me is playing around and not having much expectation, but then seeing people at our shows get engaged and start singing along with us. That drives us,” said Brad.

They might be blossoming local celebrities, but it’s really all in good fun. As they sit at a giant kitchen table at Station 2, the original three band members chat like brothers, not business partners. And they are most certainly humble about being interviewed. But a foot-tapping, head-banging band with four firefighters and a former Marine is most certainly interesting. Though they aren’t quitting their day jobs anytime soon.

“We saw it as a way to get the fire department families together, and our family and friends, the police side and public safety,” said Casey. “We played at BackYard Murphy a couple of times, and after a Fire Department Banquet they had to call in extra help.”

“It’s a hobby that kind of pays for itself,” added Robert. “But my goal going into it was nothing other than hanging out with these guys.”

Check out the Salty Dogs for yourself at an upcoming show. On Thursday, Oct. 26, find them at Herman Marshall following Boo on Ballard. •