Mick Lamar’s 40-Year Firefighting Career Ends in Whidbey Legacy
The veteran chief helped integrate emergency medical services into island fire response and established a scholarship for local high school students.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
Mick Lamar, a 40-year veteran of emergency services on Whidbey Island, died on Oct. 22 at age 72. He passed away in Plain, Washington, surrounded by family, according to an obituary released by Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue. His death marks the end of a long tenure that shaped how local agencies handle medical emergencies.
Lamar served for 22 years with Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, a district he helped create through a merger. Prior to that role, he worked at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and with Island County Fire District 2, which is now known as North Whidbey Fire and Rescue. He was a graduate of Oak Harbor High School. His career spanned four decades, bridging the transition from traditional firefighting to a model that includes paramedic care.
Colleagues credit Lamar with championing the inclusion of emergency medical services in firefighting operations during the 1980s and 1990s. At the time, the concept was considered radical in the region. Larry Wall, a former colleague, noted that Lamar ensured his personnel received the education and training necessary to treat patients during calls. This included motor vehicle accidents, house fires, and heart attacks.
Jerry Goen, another colleague, described Lamar’s dedication to both fire service and EMS. Goen stated that Lamar’s heart was in the fire service and EMS, and that he proved that commitment every day. Walton, who also worked with Lamar, recalled that Lamar saw the early need for medical response on every call. He encouraged the men he worked with to reach their full potential, often using the phrase 'service before self.'
Lamar was known for his calm demeanor during emergencies and his straightforward leadership style. He earned respect through integrity rather than authority. Friends remembered him as a pillar of integrity who always had the backs of his team. His approach fostered a culture of reliability and honesty among the firefighters he supervised.
Lamar is survived by his wife, two children, six grandchildren, a brother, nieces, and a nephew. In his honor, his family has established the Mick Lamar Humanitarian Scholarship Fund. The fund provides awards to graduating seniors at Oak Harbor High School and Leavenworth High School. Donations for the scholarship can be sent to the Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue Firefighter Association at P.O. Box 771, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
