What retirement? Tacoma firefighter going strong after 48 years
Longevity on the job is not uncommon among public service workers; teachers and judges often come to mind, their careers sometimes spanning decades.
But what about firefighters?
“I started working as a firefighter on Oct. 1, 1976. I thought it would be fulfilling to help other people,” says Dave Kaiser. He’s the Battalion Chief over Battalion 2 for the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD). Before that, he worked as a commercial truck driver and warehouse worker, and at other odd jobs. He also attended school.
“I was still trying to find what I wanted to do,” he says. “I was taking a scuba diving class and one of the divers was a captain with the Tacoma Fire Department. He sparked my interest.”
No pun intended; it was quite a spark indeed. This chance meeting set off Dave’s 48-year firefighting career – an ongoing career with no end in sight. He enjoys what he does: the variety, of course, but mainly helping others.
“I’d say I’ve gotten a lot of people through probably the worst day they’ve had and maybe the best day, too. I love being part of the community.”
When it comes to his career at the TFD, Dave says he also enjoys the camaraderie and passing on what he’s learned to younger firefighters. “It keeps me young,” he adds.
Only a handful of firefighters and police officers remain in the Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 1. LEOFF Plan 1 is a closed system that no longer accepts members. Today, these first responders join LEOFF Plan 2 when they’re hired.
Saving lives
Dave, like all firefighters, sees a lot of things on the job—some great and some not so great. They range from the worst things to the most satisfying. He’s had such a long career, it’s hard for him to choose his most memorable experiences.
“One that stuck with me happened in February 1983. A woman tried to jump off the Tacoma Narrows bridge during my shift. She thought it would be easier to take her own life but changed her mind as she started to jump and grabbed a cable.”
The call came in at a time before firefighters had technical resources and training for such a harrowing situation, but Dave didn’t hesitate. “I hopped over the railing and pulled her through the cable when she got her finger caught,” he says.
He supported her body while working to pull her finger safely through the cable. “It was dark and foggy. I couldn’t see how far down it was until I went back out there the next morning.”
The woman (and her finger) were saved that night due to Dave’s heroism and his ability to fight his fear.
Seventy-three and beating the odds
LEOFF Plan 1 members can retire at age 50. So why hasn’t Dave retired yet?
“I don’t know,” he says. “The idea of retiring really bothers me because I’ve always got to stay busy. I’m sure I’d find plenty to do, but I don’t want to give up the routine and what’s been my life.
Dave’s bout with cancer a few years ago helped him reflect on his priorities, and he discovered that retirement wasn’t one of them. “I had to take about nine months off work, but I’m cancer-free —knock on wood.”
While there is never a bright side to cancer, he did find love. He and his wife Sherie met right before his health crisis and have been together for four years. They share a dog, a Savannah cat, five grown children (between them), and a grandson. And oh boy, does he keep busy.
“Outside of firefighting, my passion is flying and skydiving. I started skydiving in 1970, but my last jump was five years ago,” Dave says. “I started flying in 1985.”
On his off days from TFD, Dave works as a pilot and aircraft mechanic for Kapowsin Air Sports in Shelton.
Here’s the thing about skydiving, according to Dave: “It feels as though you are buoyant. It’s not like a rollercoaster. It’s more like pushing off the deep end of the pool. The air supports you during freefall.”
And that might be the right metaphor demonstrating this courageous firefighter’s life – living life in the moment, buoyant, and always supported during times of freefall.
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