Honoring July 4th on Fantastic Friday
Dear Friends,
Leslee Denise Smith, known as “Leslee (with 2 ees)” to her friends, colleagues, and community, began her journey in the fire service as a local volunteer. At age 45, she transitioned into a professional firefighter/EMT, serving with honor, integrity, and grace until her retirement as a lieutenant in the fall of 2021. Over her 26-year career, she was instrumental in mentoring and training new recruits, setting a fine example for both women and men in the fire service.
Leslee’s dedication to her community remained unwavering even after her second line-of-duty cancer diagnosis, which forced her to retire. Throughout her distinguished career, she exemplified the best qualities of the fire service, leaving a lasting impact on those she mentored and served alongside.
I was deeply honored to be invited to celebrate Leslee’s life and career by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, Bellingham/Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106 President Scott Farrell , PAC Chair Tony Melillo, and IAFF/WSCFF Vice President Dean Shelton. Leslee was honored with a line-of-duty funeral with full honors, a testament to her exemplary career and dedication to her community.
Leslee fought several different types of cancer, all related to the toxic substances in the gear meant to protect her and the hazardous materials she encountered while saving lives and property. Despite these challenges, she continued to serve her community with unwavering courage. This last fight forced her into retirement and she lost her battle to cancer.
Washington State firefighters have tirelessly advocated at the local, state and federal levels to implement preventive measures to protect those who protect us. As a Washington State legislator, I am committed to supporting and protecting our firefighters. It is my responsibility to ensure that we invest in their lives just as they invest in ours.
Today, I dedicate my 6th annual Fantastic Friday 4th of July Special Edition to honor Lt. Smith. This edition aims to respect and raise awareness among my readers about the dangers our firefighters face. Whether they’re running into the face of danger to protect us from fires or dealing with the risks posed by inadequate investment in protective gear and supplies, health insurance, safe working and living conditions, competitive wages, and retirement, we must recognize and address these issues.
Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and it is our duty to support and protect them and their families. This 4th of July Special Edition is dedicated to Local 106 and Lt. Leslee Denise Smith, honoring her exemplary service and the bravery of all our firefighters.
This year and years to come, I will work with Wa State Firefighters and my colleagues at the local and state levels to introduce and support legislation to ensure we provide every necessary safety measure at the state level and support local governments in doing the same. This includes safe working conditions, competitive wages, safety for volunteers, protective gear and supplies, health insurance and recognition and acceptance of premature health conditions, safe fire stations with healthy occupancy standards, and financial support for the families of fallen firefighters.
Leslee’s legacy will continue to inspire us to take care of those who dedicate their lives to taking care of us. My 2025 legislative recommendations will reflect this commitment, honoring the values and dedication that Leslee exemplified throughout her career.
