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Fire Chief

Meet Chief Mitchell Sagers

Chief Richard Bleecker retired March 31, 2008 after serving University Place Fire Department for 31 years. I had the privilege to work under Chief Bleecker for the past 25 years. As he ascended the ranks in our Department, I witnessed the passion he held for this community and our Fire Department. I feel privileged to be selected as his successor.

I grew up in University Place, and am a graduate of U.P. Primary, Curtis Junior and Senior High Schools. My wife works in U.P., our son graduated from Curtis in 2006 and our daughter is now a senior. Most of my extended family all live in U.P. as well. Many say we never left town.

I officially began my fire service career November 1, 1983, but my “early training” began in the late 1960’s. Beyond all boyhood dreams, my grandfather Wayne Gotchy was a UP “fireman.” I got to sleep at the station with him on some duty nights, I learned the alarm phone and radio procedures, and even rode with him to some calls. To say I was hooked is probably an understatement. “Grandpa” was a great man, a great public servant, and a great leader. He served as University Place Fire Department’s Chief from 1966 until his retirement in 1977, culminating a 26-year fire service career. His teaching, stories and advice were plentiful, his service and work ethic exemplary. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 90.  His gold badge and white helmet adorn my office and serve as daily reminders of him.

In 1979, I became a University Place volunteer firefighter while living at home and attending PLU, studying pre-medicine.  Despite very few fire calls, my interest in the medical calls grew and I signed up for an Emergency Medical Technician class in 1980. Following graduation from PLU in 1981, I worked for a private ambulance company and enrolled in Paramedic school. Following completion in 1982, I was able to use my Paramedic skills in University Place as a volunteer firefighter.  In 1983, after four years of volunteer service, I was offered the position of Firefighter-Paramedic, becoming the ninth line employee, bringing each shift to three personnel!

With aspirations of leadership, I began taking classes in the Fire Command Administration curriculum. I was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994 and helped implement and deliver our first formal public school fire prevention programs.

In 1995, I embarked on a nearly three-year Physician Assistant program at the UW School of Medicine in Seattle. After creatively juggling PA school, my regular fire department shifts and family responsibilities, I graduated August, 1997. My training allowed me to pass on some advanced assessment skills to our EMTs and Paramedics. In 1998, I secured a part-time position with MultiCare, working in family medicine, an avocation I continued until July 2008.  Continuing to pursue new Fire Department leadership roles, I was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2003.  My ultimate goal of becoming Fire Chief was realized on July 2, 2008, when I was sworn in as the eighth Fire Chief of University Place Fire Department. 

As I approach nearly 30 years with University Place Fire Department, I reflect upon the rewarding experiences in serving our great community and look forward to the opportunities and challenges which lie ahead. Our success in serving out our mission to you is a product of visionary department leaders, deeply committed employees and staff and our strong, ongoing community support. I am honored to have been selected to lead the University Place Fire Department into the future.

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