Fire District 3 honors retiring volunteers, invites community to answer the call

By Christopher Lovering Volunteer coordinator • August 6, 2025 2:30 am

Fire District 3 (FD3) is marking a bittersweet moment as it bids farewell to three long-serving volunteers who together dedicated 71 years to serving their community. As FD3 celebrates their legacy, it is also calling on others to step forward and consider volunteering.

John McAndie served FD3 for 20 years, Jay Jacobsen for 27 years, and Marydee Countryman for over 30. Each has played a crucial role in emergency response efforts across the region, and their collective experience will be deeply missed. John, Jay, and Marydee have given so much of themselves to this community; their commitment is inspiring, and their retirements remind us just how important volunteers are to the strength of our department.

“On behalf of Clallam County Fire Protection District #3, I extend my deepest gratitude to John McAndie, Jay Jacobsen, and Marydee Countryman for their exceptional service,” said Fire Chief Justin Grider. “Their commitment sets a high standard and reminds us of the vital role volunteers play in our organization. We will miss them greatly.”

FD3 is a combination fire department made up of roughly 50 career firefighters and 50 volunteers. It operates six fire stations, three of which are staffed by career members 24/7 and three of which are run by volunteers. Together, they serve more than 40,000 residents across 142 square miles, from Deer Park to Diamond Point.

Each year, FD3 responds to over 9,000 emergency calls. Volunteers play an essential role in this effort. In structure fires, they often arrive in personal vehicles, don turnout gear at the scene, and work alongside career firefighters. During medical emergencies, it is frequently a volunteer EMT who is first on the scene, delivering care before an ambulance arrives.

FD3 volunteers are your neighbors — engineers, teachers, pilots, welders, students, and retirees. They come from all walks of life and bring a wide range of skills and experience to the team.

Currently, FD3’s volunteer force includes: five firefighters; 15 firefighter/EMTs; 16 EMTs; four firefighter support/EMTs; six firefighter support members; one technical rescue specialist; one wildland firefighter, and four community risk reduction volunteers. FD3 offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, so don’t count yourself out if you’re not ready to be a firefighter or don’t see yourself working on emergency scenes; there’s a role for everyone.

Collectively, these volunteers completed more than 6,500 hours of training last year alone, spending nights and weekends preparing for situations where lives are on the line.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it and if you’ve ever felt a calling to serve, now is the time.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with Fire District 3 are encouraged can contact me at clovering@ccfd3.org or visit our website at ccfd3.org and fill out an interest card.