about us
At Griffin Fire Department, we proudly serve the Steamboat Island community as Thurston County Fire Protection District 13. We are a team of committed professionals and volunteers dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment through emergency response, public education, and community service. Rooted in integrity, teamwork, and a passion for service, we work together to make a difference in every call we answer.
Locations
Griffin Fire Department is strategically positioned across four stations to ensure timely, effective response across our entire district
Station 13-1 (Headquarters)
3707 Steamboat Loop NW, Olympia WA 98502
Station 13-3
4727 Gravelly Beach Loop Olympia WA 98502
Station 13-2 (Resident Station)
8113 Steamboat Island Road Olympia WA 98502
Station 13-4
5215 Oyster Bay Road Olympia WA 98502
Our District
Thurston County Fire Protection District 13, better known as Griffin Fire Department, serves the Steamboat Island area—a unique, semi-rural community in western Thurston County. Our district includes a blend of residential neighborhoods, forested areas, shoreline properties, and small businesses. We are proud to provide fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue services, public education, and community support to those who live, work, and visit our region.
MissioN
To make a difference!
visioN
To be the neighborhood fire department that is committed to inspiring a spirit of service through every connection that we make to positively influence those around us. We strive to be flexible and agile in our approach, continuously learning and adapting to effectively lead the way through evolving challenges in our industry and community!
CORE VALUES
Community
We are a neighborhood fire department that is deeply rooted in our community, and we strive to understand its unique needs. While actively engaging with community members, we build trust, foster collaboration, and develop strategies to enhance their safety.
1
Service
We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to our community. We respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, delivering compassionate care and support to those in need.
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2
Servant Leadership
We prioritize the needs of others, placing the well-being of our community and our team members above our own. We lead by example, inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential.
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3
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards, consistently demonstrating honesty, transparency, and accountability. We are reliable and trustworthy in all our interactions, ensuring that our actions align with our values.
4
Diversity
We treat everyone with dignity and respect, valuing diversity and embracing inclusivity. We promote a supportive and inclusive work environment that nurtures the personal and professional growth of our team members.
5
Communication
We prioritize open and transparent communication. We listen to the needs of our community and our team members, ensuring that information flows freely, fostering understanding, and building strong relationships.
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Collaboration
We foster a culture of collaboration, recognizing that effective teamwork is essential to achieving our goals. We actively seek partnerships with other agencies, organizations, and community members to enhance our collective impact.
History of the department
September 11, 1962
The Griffin Fire Department was established on September 11, 1962 and became the thirteenth (13th) Fire District in Thurston County. Rather than rely on the McLane Fire Department (Thurston County Fire Department #9), it was felt that the residents of the Steamboat Island Peninsula could benefit from their own local fire department. A citizen’s group solicited time, money, and skills from the 1,035 property owners in the area. Five thousand dollars were raised to start building the first two fire barns. These barns eventually became Station 13-1 and Station 13-2. The Prosperity Grange leased adjacent land to the Department for the construction of the first barn (Station 13-1). Station 13-2 was built next to Rignall Hall. The construction of these buildings was done by volunteers. An auxiliary was formed and raised money for equipment and two fire trucks.
Summer 1962
The name Griffin comes from Judge Griffin, who donated land for a new school after the old Schneider’s Prairie Schoolhouse burned to the ground in the summer of 1926. The Griffin Fire Department covers approximately the same area as the Griffin School District. The department patch pictures a Griffin (a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle) holding a hose and axe.
July 1963
In July, 1963 two fire trucks were leased and delivered from Western State Pumpers. They were Ford F600s, each with a pumping capacity of 750 gallons per minute with 600 gallon tanks. A used Union Oil tanker truck was purchased to be used as a tender. It was painted white to match the leased fire trucks. That same year the Griffin Fire Department responded to only one call for help, however by the end of 1968 the Fire Department had responded on over 100 total alarms. In 1978 the Griffin Fire Department had the first 100+ call year since being established. In 1987, 200+ calls in a calendar year, and over 300 in 1995.
1963
The relationship with the McLane Fire Department did not end with the start up of the Griffin Fire Department. The McLane Fire Department would get the emergency call from Thurston County Department of Communications (CAPCOM) and then relay it to the Griffin Fire Chief, Gene Jackson, who with the help of his wife Elizabeth, started to chain of calls. Each firefighter was to phone three others to alert them to respond. Twenty-four volunteer firefighters were on the Griffin Fire Department roster in 1963.
1964 - 1985
In 1964, plectron radios were purchased and installed in the homes of the volunteer. This gave them direct communication from CAPCOM. Through community support and donated land, two more stations were built, Station 13-3 in 1984 to serve the Gravelly Beach area and Station 13-4 in 1985 to serve Burns Point and the Oyster Bay area. Women volunteers joined the fire department in 1970. The first paid firefighter was hired in 1979.
1996 - 2020
In 1996, a Citizens Advisory Committee recommended expanding Stations 13-1 and 13-2, and voters approved a $2.26 million bond. The two new stations, in service today, were constructed with living quarters and dedicated in 1998, along with the start of the resident program. In 2015, the Department had five paid positions and 40 volunteers. The number of calls the department responds to is partially due to the growth of the area and also due to the responsibilities that the Fire Service has taken on, to include: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Hazardous Materials (Hazmat), Rescue (Both on land and water), Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), Brush/ Forest Fires, Trees and Power lines down, Flooding (Water in basements).
2020 - Present
We have continued to build on the strong foundation established in previous years through our steadfast commitment to service delivery and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Our focus remains on reinvesting in our community by enhancing the services we provide.
In 2022, we increased our career staffing from five to nine positions, resulting in a more stable and reliable emergency response plan for our community. In 2023, we secured our transport license from the Washington State Department of Health, enabling us to provide critical ambulance transport for the sick and injured to local hospitals.
Most recently, in 2025, we completed renovations of Station 13-1 (our headquarters) and added two new apparatus to our fleet — Brush 13-1 and Tender 13-1 — replacing aging equipment that had reached or exceeded its service life. These investments ensure our organization remains ready and capable of meeting the needs of those we serve.
