Fire Station 37 marked an impressive century of service on September 28, inviting the West Seattle community to join in festivities that included cake, cookies, and valuable safety information.
For many residents, the station has been a beacon of support during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Originally built in 1925, Fire Station 37 was constructed in the Sunrise Heights neighborhood when the area was largely undeveloped.
Designed by renowned city architect Daniel R. Huntington in the popular Mission Revival style, the station features characteristic stucco walls and red tile roofs, embodying the architectural charm of the era.
Over the decades, the modest 4,100-square-foot structure served as a vital hub for the growing community.
Despite its quaint appeal, the station was eventually deemed inadequate for modern firefighting needs, leading to a move to a larger, state-of-the-art facility in 2010, funded by the 2003 Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy.
Although the station moved, the legacy of the original building continued as it was designated as a Seattle Landmark in 2005.
Now, the modern Fire Station 37 operates from its new location equipped to handle the demands of contemporary firefighting, housing Engine 37 and Ladder 13 with a dedicated crew on duty around the clock.
Among those serving the community is driver Jay Broughton, a 27-year veteran of the force.
Broughton’s commitment to West Seattle runs deep, as he has made the community his home, stating, “I fell in love with the West Seattle community and decided to make this my home.”
He emphasizes that the role of firefighters extends well beyond extinguishing fires, providing aid during moments that often represent the worst days for residents.
From medical emergencies to the whimsical scenarios of cats trapped in walls, Broughton describes each event as unique — the stories never end.
The pressures of the job are immense.
Firefighters must be prepared to respond within minutes, with a goal of reaching any address in under four minutes.
Broughton highlights a significant challenge they face is navigating the roadways while responding, noting that public education on how to react to emergency vehicles is lacking.
His advice is straightforward: “pull to the right for sirens and lights.”
Leadership at the station is spearheaded by Captain Sean Williams, who oversees operations and how crews manage equipment at Fire Station 37.
Having served with Engine 11 before, Williams brought his experience to this modern facility just five months ago.
He explains the longevity of fire engines, stating that they typically remain in service for about 15 years—spending 10 years frontline before transitioning to backup roles.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the Seattle Fire Department, particularly through its Medic One program, are renowned.
Seattle boasts some of the highest cardiac survival rates in the world; with recovery rates for cardiac arrest hovering around 50%, a stark contrast to lower rates in many other cities.
These high rates have positioned Seattle as an exemplary model for emergency medical service systems worldwide, influencing protocols for training across the globe.
As Fire Station 37 steps into its second century, the commitment to serving and safeguarding the West Seattle community remains unwavering.
From its historic roots to the high-tech advancements of today, Fire Station 37 stands as a pillar of support, ready to respond to emergencies with dedication and heart.
The century mark forms not just a milestone but a celebration of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of service that defines Fire Station 37.
image source from：westsideseattle
