Former fire chief honored by many first responders

COLFAX — First responders from as far as Whidbey Island gathered in Colfax to honor long-time Colfax Fire Chief Jim Krouse as he took his last ride.

On Sept. 10, 46 apparatus from around the state lined up to follow the American LaFrance firetruck Krouse was carried in. The antique truck was the same his father had purchased during his time as fire chief. One of Krouse’s final wishes was to be able to take his final ride in it.

“Making this final wish come true was of the utmost importance,” said Ben Shearer, of the Pasco Fire Department. “The antique truck needed a part, and we initiated a nationwide search for this part. We ended up finding one 3 miles down the road and fixing the truck. Now he was able to take his last ride in the same truck as his father.”

Krouse served the Colfax Fire Department for 52 years as a volunteer and as the fire chief from 1972 to 2010. He became fire chief after his father stepped down.

Krouse was still an important part of the department. He was training recruits and jumping into action at 76 years old. He was an extremely patient man that would mentor younger firefighters, according to longtime friend and co-worker Colfax Fire Captain Scott Kruse.

Krouse always gave his all to the community, and lived through altruistic acts of service Kruse said.

Kruse joined the Colfax department in the 1990-1991 season, and immediately looked up to Krouse. During the 31 years the two worked together, Kruse thought of Krouse as a father figure, he said.

“He was a natural helper and leader who was always teaching the people around him,” said Kruse. “He will be sadly missed by many.”

Krouse suffered a heart attack in the field while fighting a wildfire on Aug. 28, 2021.