Whidbey Firefighter Mick Lamar Dies
The 22-year veteran helped integrate emergency medical services into local firefighting before passing at age 72.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Mick Lamar died on Oct. 22 at age 72. He served as a firefighter for 22 years with the Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue district. Lamar passed away in Plain, Washington, surrounded by family, according to an obituary posted by the department.
Lamar was a graduate of Oak Harbor High School. Before his final 22-year tenure, he worked at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and with the former Island County Fire District 2. That district is now known as North Whidbey Fire and Rescue. Lamar helped form the Lake Wenatchee district through a merger.
Colleagues remember Lamar for his role in embedding emergency medical services into the island's fire response. Larry Wall, a former colleague, said the concept was a radical idea during the 1980s and 1990s. Lamar supported the nationwide movement to combine medical care with firefighting on Whidbey Island. He ensured his personnel received the education and training necessary to treat patients during emergencies.
Jerry Goen noted that Lamar’s heart was in both fire service and emergency medical services. Goen said Lamar proved his dedication every day. Walton added that Lamar recognized the need for medical services at various call sites, including motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, house fires, and heart attacks.
Lamar led his team through straightforward and honest communication. He encouraged the men he worked with to reach their full potential. Walton recalled Lamar’s focus on service before self and his consistent reliability. Lamar remained calm during emergency responses and earned respect through leadership rather than by demanding it.
Lamar is survived by his wife, two children, six grandchildren, a brother, nieces, and a nephew. His family has established the Mick Lamar Humanitarian Scholarship Fund in his honor. The fund supports graduating seniors at Oak Harbor High School and Leavenworth High School. Donations designated for the fund can be sent to the Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue Firefighter Association at P.O. Box 771 in Leavenworth, Washington.
The scholarship fund allows local students to receive financial support for their education. The designation of the fund reflects Lamar’s connection to the schools and the community he served for decades.
