Whitman County Rural Fire District 12

Whitman County Rural Fire District 12 Whitman Co Fire District #12 is a volunteer Fire Dept with stations in Pullman and Johnson WA.

🔥🚒 Training Burn🚒WCFD12 is conducting a training burn this morning on Banner road. Please avoid the area and be on the w...
05/24/2026

🔥🚒 Training Burn🚒
WCFD12 is conducting a training burn this morning on Banner road. Please avoid the area and be on the watch for trucks on Banner Rd and Pullman-Albion Rd.

Walter Sheppard FF/EMT-IVHi there! I'm Walter and I moved to Pullman in 1996. My wife and I love this area and were look...
05/22/2026

Walter Sheppard FF/EMT-IV

Hi there! I'm Walter and I moved to Pullman in 1996. My wife and I love this area and were looking for ways to give back, and a volunteer fire department sounded like a great place to dive in. My first introduction to the EMS world was when I started volunteering with Whitman County District 12 in 2022. During my probationary year, I got to experience what it was like to be part of a high functioning team, working together to solve complex problems and make a difference for people on what could be their worst days. It was those experiences that drove me to get my EMT.

I had the opportunity to join in to a Whitman County EMS class in 2023 and was fortunate enough to have two fantastic instructors--Jessie McCleary and Jamie Keller--who helped me take my first steps into emergency medicine. I then doubled down on my EMS chops by adding an IV certification in 2025 through another county class, this one taught by Joe Handley. It was because of those instructors, and my other mentors at WCFD #12, that I decided to take a leap and began to pursue a career in the fire service.

Since then, I've worked a smattering of part time fire and EMS positions. Both around the PNW as a wildland firefighter and locally as a part-time firefighter for Colfax Fire, and most recently, succeeded in my dreams by being hired at Clarkston Fire full-time as a firefighter/EMT. I know that I've only just begun this new chapter of my life, and I owe it in large part to WCFD #12 and the various mentors in Whitman County.

Outside of the EMS/fire life, I enjoy playing board games, doing things outdoors, and spending time with my wife Allyssa, who while not officially being a member of WCFD #12 is our unofficial department chef, and volunteers her time making the food for our annual 4th of July buffet in Johnson and other events.

Kaylee Hammerich FF/EMT-IV I was born and raised in N. Central Washington (Okanogan) but came to Pullman in 2009 for WSU...
05/21/2026

Kaylee Hammerich FF/EMT-IV

I was born and raised in N. Central Washington (Okanogan) but came to Pullman in 2009 for WSU and never left!

I was a wildland firefighter in college and felt a little lost without firefighting after graduating. I joined FD12 in 2015 as a way to still be involved but have a year-round, full-time job. I never had on my radar to be an EMT but after responding as a firefighter to medical calls I knew I wanted to be able to do more and jumped at the opportunity to take the class. I received my EMT certificate in 2017.

I am an accountant as my full time job but my passion lies with the fire department. I enjoy being active and outdoors with my family in my down time.

Captain Ben Gecas FF/EMT-IVAfter the introduction to the fire service in 2001, I began my journey in EMS in 2005, driven...
05/21/2026

Captain Ben Gecas FF/EMT-IV

After the introduction to the fire service in 2001, I began my journey in EMS in 2005, driven by a strong belief that I had more to offer my community. Becoming an EMT felt like the natural next step in giving back. Growing up in Pullman, I always felt supported by the community that provided opportunity, safety, and a strong quality of life. Volunteering has been my way of making a small contribution in return and giving back to the community that gave so much to me.

Over the years, EMS has become more than something I do. It has become part of who I am. I have had the privilege of learning and growing as a first responder alongside many dedicated leaders who have sacrificed time away from their own families to help prepare the next generation of responders. Their commitment has helped ensure that our communities continue to be served with care, skill, and a sense of security.

I continually strive to be someone who shares knowledge, passion, and a commitment to helping others. It is an honor to be part of this EMS family, something much bigger than any one individual. I hope to continue serving my community while also contributing to the growth and success of the next generation of volunteers.

PS...yes he is in the picture 😃

Lt Charles DeChenne FF/EMR When did you get into EMS and why?- Because I want to help people.When did you join D12?- 200...
05/20/2026

Lt Charles DeChenne FF/EMR

When did you get into EMS and why?
- Because I want to help people.

When did you join D12?
- 2006ish

What do you do outside of the department?
- Software Engineer
- Mountain bike, wood working, garden

Is there anyone/anything that has inspired you to do EMS?
- Not really, EMS came along with doing the fire.

What do you want to do when you grow up (if you plan to) :
I probably won't ever grow up.

Sydnie Torgerson FF/EMT-B I am from Bozeman, Montana and joined District 12 in January 2026. I obtained my EMT license i...
05/20/2026

Sydnie Torgerson FF/EMT-B

I am from Bozeman, Montana and joined District 12 in January 2026. I obtained my EMT license in the fall of 2025, during my first year of college, hoping to find my calling—and boy did I. Everything about this profession I admire and would like to do my part to give back. I will work towards becoming a Paramedic someday and ideally join a Medivac team to provide EMS support to those in critical need.
I am privileged to have a family that supports me in all that I do, but no one nudged me in this direction. However, there is a background in firefighting and a couple of nurses, so maybe that influenced the outcome. Besides that, I would say that the people I've met along the way in the EMS realm inspire me to continue down this path.
Outside of the first responder world, I enjoy anything and everything outdoors. As well as creating memories in new places with new people. Whether that's in the mountains or in a completely different country.
Overall, I am extremely excited to be part of the D12 family and hope to learn as much as I can along the way.

05/19/2026

NW Davis Way is closed between SR 195 and Old Wawawai Road for an active Police and Fire Incident.

City of Pullman Police Department, WSU Police, Whitman County Sheriff's Office, Whitman County Rural Fire District 12 and Pullman Firefighters are all on scene.

Information will be released at a later time.

Please use an alternate route and avoid the area.

Lt. Ben Smith, FF/EMT-IVBen is from Kennewick, WaGot into EMS in 2007, then left and got it again in 2024. I got into EM...
05/19/2026

Lt. Ben Smith, FF/EMT-IV

Ben is from Kennewick, Wa
Got into EMS in 2007, then left and got it again in 2024. I got into EMS because I love helping people and being an EMT I get to do that. Also another way to give back to my community.
I joined in D12 in 2017
Outside of the department, I work as a farmer for Norm Druffel and sons. I like to hang out with friends and family. My favorite sport is Baseball. Like going to Rodeos and demo derbys and just having a great time.
When I was younger, there was a fire station next to my house and would always go hang out when the firefighters were there and looked up to them.
I always told my parents growing up I either wanted to be a firefighter, or a farmer and I get the privilege to do both.

🚒 Meet Janelle Sordelet — Volunteer Firefighter & EMT 🚑Originally from Kennesaw, GA, Janelle moved to the Inland Northwe...
05/18/2026

🚒 Meet Janelle Sordelet — Volunteer Firefighter & EMT 🚑

Originally from Kennesaw, GA, Janelle moved to the Inland Northwest after serving in the USAF. She joined Whitman County Fire District #12 on September 27, 2023, and after a year of volunteering, she stepped up again—earning her EMT certification to better serve her department and community.

Service runs in the family, too: her mom worked on an ambulance in upstate New York when Janelle was a kid.

When she’s not responding to calls, Janelle supports graduate students and daily operations in the WSU Department of Chemistry. Outside of work, you’ll find her at Pullman CrossFit, out running, or backpacking any chance she gets.

Janelle says giving back as an EMT is incredibly rewarding, and she’s grateful to work alongside a team that pushes her to grow. She proudly embraces her young‑at‑heart spirit and brings that energy into everything she does.

🔥 Community‑minded
💪 Always improving
❤️ Serving with heart

Henry Wilkinson, FF/EMT-BI am originally from Warden, WAI joined WCFD #12 in the summer of 2022. I got into EMS a year a...
05/18/2026

Henry Wilkinson, FF/EMT-B

I am originally from Warden, WA

I joined WCFD #12 in the summer of 2022.

I got into EMS a year and a half ago after being a firefighter for a few years. I saw it as a way to continue helping my community.

Outside of the department, I work for Sullivan Construction here in Pullman, in the dirt work side of the company.

Still not sure what I want to do when I grow up, but I'm having fun playing in the dirt every day and helping out my fellow man when I get the chance.

Address

912 W Main Street
Pullman, WA
99163

Telephone

+15093341715

Website

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