Local 726 Honor Roll

Battalion Chief David M. Potter
Cancer - Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Last Alarm: 06/01/2006

David dedicated his life to serving others. He began his professional fire service career with Pierce County Fire District 9 in 1985, as one of their first paramedics; he later accepted a lateral fire fighter position with Puyallup, becoming their first fire/paramedic, and soon began working on a fire-based Advanced Life Support service for the city. While fighting a structure fire, an exterior wall fell on David's company and he was trapped by burning debris, receiving serious burns and a broken back. But after successful treatment, returned to full duty. David's entire career was spent in improving the delivery of quality pre-hospital emergency medical services. Off-duty he enjoyed his other passion, his red Fire Fighter Edition Harley Davidson. David will be remembered as a loving father, friend and brother and is greatly missed.

Captain Arthur A. Vazquez
Other/Miscellaneous - Trauma, Blunt
Last Alarm: 07/18/2018

It’s with a heavy heart that Orting Valley Fire and Rescue and the International Association of Firefighters Local 4459 announce the passing of one of our beloved members, Captain Art Vazquez. Captain Vazquez took his own life as a result of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. The Orting Valley Fire and Rescue family will pull together to make sure they get all the support they need.

While we are hurting with the loss of Captain Vazquez and struggling to understand it, we are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our community and firefighting family. We will not be answering any questions or providing additional information at this time but rather focusing our efforts on supporting Captain Vazquez’s family and the men and women of Orting Valley Fire and Rescue.

Assistant Chief Larry Spohn
Other/Miscellaneous - Pulmonary Fibrosis
Last Alarm: 10/17/2022

Larry was born in Giessen, Germany in 1948 and at age 8, arrived in the United States with his mom and grandparents. Larry didn’t speak English when he got to the US, but his family made it a priority that he learn. Larry applied for and was granted US citizenship. Larry Graduated Lakes High School in Lakewood Washington in 1966, and then he became a free spirit with long hair, a beard and a motorcycle.

He started his first career in High School as a mechanic and continued that until he was hired by Pierce County Fire district 15 on 10/01/1980. Larry had been a volunteer for Town of Eatonville and PCFD#15 since 1977. Larry began dating Patty in March of 1975 and they were married on December 31st, 1975. Larry and Patty have 4 children, Cindy Werner, Rob Spohn, Susie Olsen, and Mari who was tragically taken from them at the age of 13. They also have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Besides Firefighting and his Family Larry was an avid outdoorsman. Larry could be found on his boat in Sekiu May through September and October through November he would be in the woods chasing grouse, turkeys, elk or deer. Larry and Patty spent the last several years together traveling and seeing the sights as full-time RV Travelers. They loved history, together they would visit museums and historical sights just for the experience.

Larry Spohn was a Firefighters Chief; he loved to train and lead firefighters but more than that he loved the firefighters he led. Larry worked tirelessly to ensure the members below him were taken care of. Larry had a way of making the days short, he laughed and joked but you knew what was expected of you. Larry didn’t demand respect, he earned it and he gave it back. Larry on more than one occasion put his career on the line to stand up for his subordinates and ensure that the firefighters he led were taken care of. After a 34-year career Larry retired on April 1st, 2013, as Assistant Chief in charge of training. A few months later Larry was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and would fight to spend every moment making memories with those he loved for nearly 8 years before passing on 10/16/2022 surrounded by loved ones.

Fire Fighter/Paramedic John M. Garner
Cardiac Arrest
Last Alarm: 12/14/2022

It is with deepest regret and sorrow that we report the line-of-duty death of Paramedic John M. Garner, IAFF 7th District Local 726, Pierce County, Washington. Brother Garner, 45, passed away on Dec. 14, 2022 after suffering a medical emergency.