Seattle Fire Department Chief Harold Scoggins said the department remained active over the past year, citing a range of operational responses and ongoing initiatives. In a recent message, Scoggins outlined actions taken in 2025, including responses to emergencies within the city and deployments outside the state, as well as continued efforts focused on community services.
In a message published in the Seattle Responder, Chief Harold Scoggins outlined developments and support initiatives undertaken by the Seattle Fire Department over the past year. He noted that the department deployed personnel to Los Angeles in January to assist with wildfire response and added that SFD has introduced new tools and equipment to support operations. These updates include the acquisition of a third rescue watercraft and upgrades to fire stations, such as new fitness equipment and rescue swimmer wetsuits, funded through the Seattle Fire Foundation.
Chief Scoggins said the department’s community engagement was reflected in its recruitment efforts and internal recognitions, noting that a large number of applications were received during the fall firefighter/EMT hiring cycle. He also acknowledged the death of Firefighter/Paramedic Larry Doll, who died unexpectedly. In his statement, Scoggins thanked the community for its ongoing support of the Seattle Fire Department’s work.
The department also reported the graduation of seven firefighter/paramedics following a nine-month training program. In his message, Scoggins said SFD expanded services related to overdose response, including operating a Post Overdose Response Team, staffing a pop-up clinic that provides long-acting injectable buprenorphine, and partnering with other organizations on a recovery center. He also noted that the department hosted patient reunions, allowing individuals to meet and thank the firefighters and paramedics who responded to their emergencies.
The Seattle Fire Department also reported responding to and investigating a series of arson fires in the Columbia City neighborhood during the year. In his message, Chief Scoggins noted these incidents as part of the department’s operational challenges. As 2025 concluded, the department reviewed a year that included service expansions, emergency responses, and continued engagement with the community.
