Support Teams
Joe Otto
Hi everyone, my name is Joe Otto. I started in the fire service as a volunteer with the Enumclaw Fire department in 2002, got hired full time in 2005, and then was fortunate enough to join the great team of fire fighters at Central Pierce Fire and Rescue in January of 2016. I’m a long-time Enumclaw resident and enjoy living there with my wife Maryn, sons Colby and Chevy, and dog Gretchen. We enjoy everything outdoors - Mt biking, skiing, hiking, hunting, team sports, yard work and gardening to name a few. Another big passion/hobby of mine is classic trucks, mostly Chevys, I have a few of them. My wife Maryn is also a career firefighter, so we have the common bond of the fire service and are each other’s greatest support system.
I’m very honored to be a member of the Peer Support Team. My friends and coworkers say that I’m easy to talk to so please don’t hesitate to call or text any time day or night.
Matt McDowell
I have worked as a heavy equipment operator/welder for about 15 years with my family’s pile driving business and as a firefighter most recently for about 4. The more I do the firefighting job, the more I genuinely believe it is the “Holy Grail” of jobs so to speak. My wife Danielle I are going on 16 years of fighting and making up again and have been blessed with 4 awesome kids; Adaline 13, Caleb 11, Greta 10, and Elijah 8. The six of us love backpacking all over the PNW as well as socializing with friends and family.
I feel honored to be a part of a great group of people whose purpose is to be helpful to our fellow brothers and sisters who need/want it. I have been blown away by the caliber of people I get to work with on a daily basis in this career and firmly believe that this job draws the best type of people to it. I have noticed too that there are things that can make this job difficult for us and especially for our family members. It takes a decent amount of communication and intentionality to truly reap the rewards that this job can afford. If you are struggling with something and would like someone to talk with in a confidential setting, please don’t hesitate to call or text. We all have needed people in our lives to draw strength, advice, and love from to get through some of the hard times that inevitably happen. The only thing that truly lasts in this life and career are the relationships we build with each other and those we come in contact with. I look forward to meeting/talking with you in the future.
David Bragg
I was hired in the fire service in 2008. I’ve been married to my best friend Grace for 14 years and we have a 6-year old daughter that keeps us quite busy! I love nearly all forms of physical activity, especially if it involves the outdoors.
In my short 11 years I’ve been humbled and impressed by the cumulative grind that the rigors of the fire service has on its members. It’s quite apparent that staying healthy and happy needs to be an intentional effort and I’m very grateful to be a part of an organization like CPFR that is fiercely committed to taking care of its members though such programs as the peer fitness program and this peer support group.
If you ever catch yourself feeling like you’re struggling under a burden by yourself, please don’t hesitate to call or text any time, as I’d be honored to help any way I can.
Mark Clayton
Hi, my name is Mark Clayton.
I’ve been married for 23 years to my lovely wife Kellene and we have managed to raise two awesome teenage daughters, Shelby (15) and Addison (13). I started in the fire service in 1992 as a volunteer with K.C.F.D. 44/46. I then became paid in 1997 with them, and then in 2000 went to Puyallup Fire which is now part of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
I love the outdoors, and sports like soccer, motocross, golf, camping, fishing, skiing, jeeping and just about anything that is outdoors and adventurous. I’ve lost a brother to muscular dystrophy and a mother to cancer and am now caring for my 83-year-old father.
Currently outside of work, I’m involved in sports nutrition, and real estate rehab, along with all of my girls’ sports. I can certainly understand some of the pressures of life outside of work, especially since we in the fire service typically have the “I got this", or "I can take care of this by myself" outlook on life, which seems to be part of our job description. Sometimes life just goes sideways (literally) and it gets hard, really hard. I can understand.
Ray Escobedo
I started in the fire service in September 2000 with the City of San Marino in CA. I was hired by Puyallup Fire & Rescue in 2005 as a lateral Firefighter/Paramedic. We merged with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in 2009, and I was promoted to Lieutenant/Paramedic in 2013. In May of 2017 I was promoted to Captain. I have been a Hazmat team member since 2007 and have been a part of WATF-1 as a Hazmat Tech and now as Hazmat Manager. I was deployed in OSO for 21 days, during the mudslide recovery mission.
I live in Gig Harbor with my wife and two teenage sons. I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors, and love working out. I am available to talk anytime day or night.
Adam Jackson
I graduated from Western Washington University in 1993; started working with Sumner Fire Department in 1994; moved to King Co. Fire # 10 in 1995; then to Puyallup in 1996 which became Central Pierce Fire & Rescue where I currently oversee Health & Safety. I am very passionate about Firefighter Health and Safety specifically Mental and Physical Wellbeing. I have been married to my very understanding wife Kelli for 21 years. I have two daughters Emily (18) and Megan (15), I also have a son Tyler (9). I enjoy cycling, camping, soccer and just relaxing in the great outdoors. I am very excited to be involved in the development of our departments Behavioral Health Program. Our profession is a noble one, but it often comes with a price. The stress of life, family, work and interrupted sleep cycles can take its toll on us. I am looking forward to helping in any way I can.
Jennett Nielson
My name is Jennett Nielson. I’m currently a Captain at station 73 in the City of Puyallup. I have almost 16 years of career experience and 18 years overall in the fire service. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, enjoying sports and our beautiful outdoors. I have an amazing family who all live in the Snohomish County area.
I am honored to be a firefighter and take as many opportunities as I can to give back to our communities through volunteer work and fundraisers. I have also chosen to give to our brothers and sisters by training and becoming a PEER Support member. I have great strength in integrity and loyalty for our Fire Department family and would be happy to talk with you whenever you need. Health is more than physical.
Jo Kummerle
I have always loved people and thrive on helping others. It’s what makes me tick.
After 11 years of being an elementary school teacher, I switched careers and was hired as the 1st female FF for Lakewood in 2004, later merging with UP in 2011 to become West Pierce Fire & Rescue. We began the Peer Support program in 2017. I love this job and friendships made with my fire family.
I’ve had some blessings throughout my life, (healthy, athletic, kidney donor, mom of 2 awesome college aged boys, hiked the Grand Canyon in a day, camp counselor, supportive friends & family) and had some challenges, (divorced over 18 yrs, single parent, both parents passed away recently as well as a niece, true empty nester and loneliness).
I surely cannot solve all the world’s problems, (let alone my own) but will gladly share true listening, warm hugs, kindness and even home baked cookies!
Please know you are cared for and you’re not alone. I’d be honored to walk your journey by your side. Call/text/walk&talk/meet up anytime.
Caleb Fitts
For over a decade as a master fire mechanic I’ve been continually impressed by the selfless nature of our people. I’m a founding member of the West Pierce peer support team and in that role I’m committed to helping first responders through the personal challenges that can result from long hours and traumatic events.
Physical fitness has always played a central role in my life and it’s something I’m passionate about sharing with others. I’ve been a professional yoga instructor for over twenty years and offer classes in our stations every week. I love to share yoga as a way to elevate physical and mental health. I want to see people achieve their goals and lead happy and healthy lives! I live in Olympia with my wife and son. My greatest joy comes from spending time outdoors with my friends and family. Whether it’s an injury or stress that’s holding you back, don’t wait to reach out for help.
Mike Harn
I’m Mike Harn, Battalion Chief with West Pierce Fire and Rescue. I have been married for 28 years to my wife who has been my best support system. We have three children, one is a career firefighter, one is a volunteer firefighter, and our youngest who is in her first year of college playing basketball. I enjoy spending time with them as often as possible. I strongly believe that camaraderie and fitness are the cornerstones of a healthy fire service career. As the coordinator and a founding member of our peer support team, I realize that as first responders the opportunity to serve can often come at a price. I’m committed to helping our people through the personal challenges that can result from long hours and traumatic events.
Lawrence Dorothy
Hi, my name is Larry Dorothy.
I have lived and worked in SPFR District 17 for over fifty years. I’ve been married to my lovely wife Janet for 37 years and we have one adult daughter, four grandchildren and two great grandkids with a third on the way!
I am an approved instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) for both Group and Individual crisis intervention. I have been with SPFR since 2011 as Senior Chaplain. I am a member and maintain the position of Master Chaplain with the Federation of Fire Chaplains.
I also have a Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling from Andersonville Seminary. I am founder and senior pastor of a 501C3 ministry called “Home Spun Ministries” that we started in 2000.
Sheree Justice
I am married to my high school sweetheart of 36 years. We have 2 wonderful daughters that come with 2 amazing son in laws and 4 grandchildren. Born and raised here in pierce county and when my husband went into the military we moved to El Paso, TX for a short stint. Lived in bush Alaska, to uptown city Alaska, to Hawaii and now back home to WA for the time being with our Dutch Shepherd and cat.
I am a firm believer in family and community. We all have times in our lives when we just need someone to listen. Life gets hard and those that serve are sometimes the last to receive. I’m here for you, and honored to be a part of the South Pierce Support Services team. Please, call or email if you need anything.
Coming Soon
Scott L Booth
My name is Scott and I am a Lieutenant with the Gig Harbor Fire Department and the coordinator of our Peer Support Team. I started my career in the early 90s in New Jersey but moved to Washington in 97’ when I got hired in Gig Harbor. I am happily married to my wife Amy and we have two grown children. We own a coffee shop on the side while I finish my fire service career and Amy works as a Nutritionist. I am an avid cyclist, riding for fun, year-round bike commuting, and a little cyclocross racing mixed in in the fall. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat, go for a bike ride, or hang out over a coffee or a beer!
Tom Voigt
Howdy! My name is Tom Voigt and I have been in the Fire Service for 19+ years. I like hunting, fishing, and almost all games of skill. Basically… I’m a country boy stuck in a fancy town, in a fancy home, with a fancy (wicked smart) wife, and two highly energetic boys. We have a large, stubborn lab, that is supposed to be a bird dog, but doesn’t listen well. I however, do listen well. I would love the opportunity to meet you and hear about your crazy life. We can compare notes. Please do not hesitate to call, or email, or reach out in any way if you would like to get together and talk. I look forward to meeting you. Thanks!
Nick Langlow
Hi, I’m Nick Langlow. I was hired by Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One in January of 2006 after being a volunteer for Gig Harbor for about three years. I’m currently a Lieutenant assigned to the Operations Division on B Shift. I live in Gig Harbor with my wife of 12 years Nicole. We have two children, Jake (8) and Emery (5). In my spare time I like to play golf, spend time on the Puget Sound and snow ski in the winter. I was honored to be included in the inaugural group of Peer Supporters at Gig Harbor Fire and am excited that our organization is taking a very active interest in the behavioral health of our members. I’m available to chat, play golf, have coffee or watch sports with anyone of you, on any given day at any given time. Just remember, “sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.”
Alison Monda
My name is Alison Monda and I am a Firefighter with Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One. When not at work I volunteer with Olympic Mountain Rescue and enjoy long distance backpacking and rock climbing.
Andrew Kolibas
I joined the fire service as a Volunteer with North Olympia in 1997. Since then I married my wife, Karena, in 2003. I was hired full time with Graham Fire & Rescue in 2005. I had three handsome young boys, 2005/2008/2009 promoted to company officer 2011, foster-adopted our fourth son, 2013, and now foster a fifth, 2015.
I live for my family. I love to cheer on my boys from the sidelines. I like to ski with them in the winter and hike in the summer. We have family property on Tanawax lake and like to spend time there during the summer.
Some stress that I have dealt with relates to foster, adoption, elder care, depression, suicide, and substance abuse.
Jill D’Len
I started the fire service in 2004 as a resident with Graham Fire and was hired as a career firefighter in January of 2009. I am married to my best friend Zac, we have a chocolate lab Max and our life together has been one amazing adventure. Winter is my favorite time of the year, finding peace and powder skiing the mountains of Washington and Montana. I also love to hike, backpack and fly-fish during the summer. I have found that the more I take care of my body and keep myself active, the more amazing I feel inside as well as out.
I feel extremely drawn to the peer support and mental wellness aspect of our job because I have a deep, personal relationship with experiencing traumatic events throughout my career. Not every firefighter is affected the same, but those who need support deserve people who are willing to listen, judgment free. I love my job and I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of each other in this long, stressful career. I feel honored to have been chosen by my peers to be a part of the peer support team and I hope to make a positive impact with my fellow brothers and sisters.
Casey Novak
Hello! My name is Casey Novak, and I have been in the fire service for a little over twenty years, most of that time with the City of Tacoma. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping others, including my fire department Brothers and Sisters. I have been privileged to be part of our Peer Support Team for just over a decade. In today’s fast paced and stressful world, taking care of our first responders is of the highest priority. Away from work, my wife and I have two amazing children that our lives revolve around. We enjoy traveling, hiking and spending time with our extended families.
Janell Murry
My name is Janell Murry and I am currently a firefighter/paramedic with Tacoma Fire Department. I have been with the department since March of 2015 and with our PEER Support Team since May of 2017. I also serve as a member of the Local 31 Executive Board and am the 6th District Representative for the WSCFF Burn Foundation.
I was born in Bellingham and have lived in the PNW my entire life. I love spending time with my family, playing with my dog, anything outdoors and volunteering at community/department events. Whenever I get the chance I love to travel and have been to various places around Europe, India and Africa.
Joining the PEER Support Team is about giving back to my fire family. The best part of this career are the people we work with. We face challenges together, we laugh together, and we spend many hours together. I want to make sure when any brother or sister is struggling, they know we are ready to work together, just like everything else we do, to get them healthy and happy. My hope would be that everyone finds someone they can talk to and depend on when they need support. Please reach out if you every need anything!
Kris Johnson
I was hired by Tacoma Fire Department in 2003. I have spent most of my career on a medic unit but now feel fortunate to be back on an engine. I want all firefighters to enjoy a long retirement with a healthy back and mind. I currently live in Puyallup with my wife and two daughters. I love being a dad and exposing my girls to new things. I enjoy staying active especially if it involves the water.
Kristin Connelly
My name is Kristin Connelly (KC), my husband of now 9 years, Chris and I found the fire service together just after high school. We started volunteering for East Pierce Fire and Rescue in 2007, because we wanted to serve our community and were both drawn to the teamwork and camaraderie of the fire service. Together, still as team we are both part of two amazing organizations that really value the health and wellbeing of each of their members. I was hired with Tacoma Fire in 2011, and he with Seattle in 2014. I understand the value of having a strong marriage and/or support system to come home to after dealing with the daily stressors that our jobs compound on a daily basis. I joined my departments Peer Support team to be a resource to my brothers and sisters for this reason.
Our son, James was born this fall, and we are enjoying the journey of becoming new parents. Outside of work, I love being outdoors, and anything associated with fitness. We love traveling and can’t wait for whatever adventure life brings our way.
Kira Thirkield
I doubt you are browsing this page to look at a bunch of resumes so instead I’ll try to give you an idea of what to expect if you reach out to me. First of all, I am available 24/7 and I mean that. The middle of the night is unfortunately when we tend to get in our heads. Secondly, I’m not a judgmental person and am confident you will agree. Life is hard, plain and simple. We make countless decisions day in and day out and no one makes the right decision every time, I sure don’t. Lastly, I’m laid back and I don’t pry into details unless you offer them, I mostly just listen.
The numbers don’t lie, the reality is mental health is a HUGE failure in the fire service and we are all to blame. We must fix this; we owe it to one another. If you don’t reach out to me, please reach out to someone.
Michael Cramer
My name is Michael Cramer and I have been with Riverside Fire and Rescue for about 5 years now. I love to spend my free time with my wife and with my family. I also enjoy the outdoors and exploring our beautiful state whenever I can. I am younger, with less years on the job then most peers on the county team, though I care deeply about my brothers and sisters out there. Maybe I can connect a little better with younger firefighters that are new to the job, but of course I am open to all. I am available at all hours, day and night. Please reach out to me, or to the others that you find a connection to on this team. Take care of yourself, and stay safe.
Erin McMicheal
I was born into a fire family. My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all retired from the fire service, my brother is a paramedic with Central Pierce, my husband is a Captain for the city of DuPont, and I spent 15 years as a dispatcher. Currently, I serve as the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the Washington National Guard, so peer support is very important in every aspect of my life. I believe the only way to thrive in emergency services or military service is to lean into the community that comes with it allow yourself to be supported by the strength of your brothers and sisters.
My husband and I have been together over 30 years and have a teenage son who graduated from Eatonville High School last year. We love camping, hunting, hiking and most outdoor activities. Family always comes first for us to include the 4-legged members too!
Ben Harris
I have the privilege to serve as the Executive Director for Tacoma Pierce County Chaplaincy. I am also the Lead Chaplain for the Tacoma Police Department. As Public Safety Chaplain, I am not a peer to my First Responders, but I do roll up my sleeves and serve alongside them in the field. This helps me to better relate to those I am serving. I believe that human beings were not designed to consistently endure what those in Public Safety must endure, but that does not mean we are doomed to a life of suffering and we certainly do not have to carry life’s burdens alone. Peer Support is an effective way to maintain your mental health and keep yourself on-center and in service, fully ready to respond to the next call. I look forward to serving on the Peer Support team, helping individuals overcome the acute and cumulative stressors of life, and seeing people enjoy a full and rewarding career in Public Safety. If you need to connect with someone today, I am here for you.
Lawrence Dorothy
Hi, my name is Larry Dorothy.
I have lived and worked in SPFR District 17 for over fifty years. I’ve been married to my lovely wife Janet for 37 years and we have one adult daughter, four grandchildren and two great grandkids with a third on the way!
I am an approved instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) for both Group and Individual crisis intervention. I have been with SPFR since 2011 as Senior Chaplain. I am a member and maintain the position of Master Chaplain with the Federation of Fire Chaplains.
I also have a Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling from Andersonville Seminary. I am founder and senior pastor of a 501C3 ministry called “Home Spun Ministries” that we started in 2000.
Sharon L. Green
I have a background in Law and Justice and worked as a Paralegal for several years. Due to my desire to help others, my career changed to a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) where I care for the elderly in their homes until they can no longer remain in the home (12 years).
During my years of working, I also became volunteer in the community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) (26 years). Helping advocate for children who cannot speak for themselves is a highly honorable position, and I have seen many of my cases with positive outcomes.
I also became a Chaplain with IOACC & WC3 – Tacoma Chapter (4 years). Being a Chaplain means that I can be a trustworthy -non-judgmental presence, a listener, a spiritual and caring presence to assist with difficult situations or tragedies. It allows me to understand other people’s anger, grief, hurts, and complicated situations; yet be a major contribution of trust and spirituality while ministering to others in their time of need.
I also volunteer my time in a Domestic Violence Center twice a month, and feel that I make a difference, even if I am serving a cup of coffee, helping serve a meal, or listening to those who are pouring out their hearts in a difficult time (2 years).
I am also on staff at a local church (3 years)– Assistant to the Pastor.
These opportunities enhance my ability to learn, grow, support others, and be available to those in need. My goal is to have unconditional love and acceptance, show that the tragedy one may be going through is acknowledged within a safe and caring atmosphere. To make a difference!
Phoebe Mulligan
Phoebe Mulligan, LICSW has been providing services to trauma survivors since 2006. She previously served as Clinical Director of a mental health agency in Pierce County before opening a private practice in Tacoma, WA. Additionally, she is currently the Mental Health Professional for two local law enforcement departments and manages the therapy program through the Child Advocacy Center in Pierce County. Ms. Mulligan is regularly invited to speak regionally on Evidence-Based Practices, effects of trauma on children and adults, and as an expert on anxiety and secondary trauma. Her audiences include clinicians, teachers, law enforcement, and judges; she is often a guest lecturer in social work master’s programs. A graduate of Social Work program (2007) at the University of Washington, Seattle, Ms. Mulligan is passionate about providing services to other professionals in the social service and first responder fields.