Seattle Fire Fighter’s Son Killed Serving in Afghanistan

June 25, 2008 – Seattle, WA Local 27 fire fighter Michael Washington Sr. was on duty at Fire Station 16 June 16, 2008, when he heard the devastating news. His son, Marine Sergeant Michael Washington Jr., had been killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Washington Sr. is a 14-year veteran fire fighter, but he also served 23 years in the Marine Corps and reserves. He completed tours in Desert Storm (1991), Bosnia and in Afghanistan (2001 and 2003) before retiring in 2004. His father had served in the Marines in Korea, making Washington Jr. a third generation Marine.

When word of the younger Washington’s death reached Seattle Local 27 members, fire fighters were quick to reach out to their brother. Seattle and other regional fire fighters accompanied the Washington family to McChord Air Force Base in Pearce County, Washington, to await the arrival of Washington Jr.’s body.

“Watching our brother fire fighter stand at the foot of his fallen son’s casket was a very powerful moment,” says Local 27 President Ken Stuart. “We were proud to be there to honor him not only because he was a member of our extended fire fighter family, but also because he gave his life for his country.” Later, a fire apparatus processional escorted Washington’s body to Klontz Funeral Home in Auburn, Washington.

Services honoring Washington are planned for Friday June 27, 2008. Click here for more information.

The younger Washington enlisted in the Marines when he was 17 because, as he told his father, “Dad, I want to help people who can’t help themselves, and being Marine Infantry is where I’d do the most good.”

He was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and was deployed to Iraq in 2007. There, he earned citations for bravery, providing cover for fellow Marines caught in an ambush.

Earlier this year, Sergeant Washington Jr., 20, was deployed once again to Afghanistan. His unit’s assignment was to assist in the training of Afghan national police units.

On June 15, Washington and four Marines were riding in a Humvee near the Farah Province when they were hit by a homemade bomb. Washington died of his injuries.

The younger Washington is survived by his father, mother and sister.