Local fire departments, officials mourn death of fellow firefighter

MOSES LAKE — Dan Dishon, a highly regarded local firefighter, lost his life on Monday as a result of an industrial incident in late December in Moses Lake.

Dishon, 39, received chemical burns on Dec. 27 following an incident at Moses Lake Industries. He was initially transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, but was later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and remained at the hospital until his death on Monday.

Dishon was a battalion chief/training officer for Grant County Fire District No. 13, which serves the greater Ephrata area, and volunteered for the district since 2011. He was also a paid captain for Grant County Fire District No. 5, which serves the greater Moses Lake area, and volunteered for the district for 15 years.

The loss of Dishon has prompted an outpouring of support from fire departments, officials and locals alike.

“Dan has given more of himself, his time and his efforts to the Grant County community/fire service than one could measure. Dan’s ingenuity and problem solving abilities is a big reason why we’ve been able to improve our fleet of apparatus and in turn provide better service to our District,” GCFD No. 13 Chief Jim Stucky previously stated. “It’s no surprise so many fire agencies have come from far and wide to study Dan’s work.”

Dishon’s passing left a large hole in the local firefighter brotherhood, but his legacy of service and humility will never be forgotten.

“Grant County has lost a husband, father, friend, and fire service leader. Dan was eager to work, no matter the task at hand. Many times he was the first out the door to help others in need. Please join Your Ephrata Firefighters in praying for his wife, his children, extended family, friends, and local firefighters. We pray for peace and strength during this difficult time. Thank you Dan, your service will never be forgotten,” stated the Ephrata Fire Department on Facebook.

“We are saddened by the passing of Capt. Dan Dishon. Our thoughts are with his family and his extended family at Grant County District 5 and District 13. We know there is no taking the hurt away. From all of us at Moses Lake Fire Department we are wishing you peace at this difficult time. Rest easy Dan,” Moses Lake Firefighters wrote on their Facebook page.

The Department of Labor and Industries has confirmed they are investigating the incident, but no timetable has been given for when the report will be completed and information on the incident at Moses Lake Industries has not been released to the public.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.