Tumwater names Scott Piper as firefighter of the year 

Tumwater Fire Department nominated Scott Piper as firefighter of the year. 

The proclamation was made on Tuesday, Dec. 3, during the Tumwater City Council meeting where Piper was given a plaque and a U.S. flag that has been flown on both the state and U.S. Capitol. 

The fire department staff nominates a member of their team every year who best represents the organization's mission and vision, according to Tumwater Fire Department Chief Brian Hurley. 

Piper started as a volunteer firefighter in 2008 before he was hired full time in 2012. Hurley noted that Piper’s hiring was a result of the levy lid lift for public safety funding, which voters passed in 2011. 

The chief added that Piper is an instructor at the Fire Academy, where he specializes in teaching pump operations and hose handling techniques. 

“He doesn't know what being mediocre is. Everything he does, he does to the fullest extent and just strives for that level of perfection,” said Hurley of Piper during the council meeting. 

“This spans his work as a firefighter, as an EMT and his other pursuits, such as building construction, and Scott's also an accomplished musician and guitar player,” Hurley continued. 

Speaking to the council, Scott said that he was thankful for the recognition. During his speech, he recalled how he barely made the cut when he was first hired, as the application process was very competitive during that time. 

“It was a really big deal to get hired at the time when I did, and that it was a really big deal for Tumwater to take a chance on me, and I'm glad that I've been able to contribute,” Piper said. 

“I think even though Tumwater is a small department and a relatively small city, I think we have something really special going here,” he continued saying how highly regarded Medic 5 is, the Medic One unit stationed in Tumwater. 

He added, “I really think that the people that work at Tumwater fire are what makes it special, not necessarily just its geographic location or just the things we do, but the people who are there. Working for Chief Hurley and Chief Crimmins, Chief Ridgeway has been a real pleasure. I couldn't really ask for a better work environment and a more supportive city that does a great job of supporting the fire service since I've been around.”