Late fire chief honored at ceremony in Renton

This past week, 23 firefighters from North Whidbey Fire and Rescue traveled from Oak Harbor to Renton to render honors to Chief Tim Lemon, who died Sept. 17 from cancer.

Personnel from North Whidbey Fire and Rescue traveled to the ceremony in three pieces of fire apparatus and a chartered bus for the memorial service that was held at the New Life Church.

The four fire departments that Lemon worked for during his almost 40 years of service were each represented in the procession by a special piece of fire apparatus, according to a press release from the department.

Lemon was honored by fire personnel from all over the state.

State Fire Marshal Chuck LaBlanc presented Lemon’s wife with a letter and the state flag from the governor.

During the ceremony, everyone in attendance was able to learn more about Lemon the man, not just the chief.

“He was a man heavily involved with his family and his community, a man with many close and dear friends, a man who was born to serve others,” the press release states.

“The ceremony was a celebration of Lemon’s life, his family, his friends and the fire service that was honored to have him as a member of its ranks.”

Lemon touched thousands of lives.

“He made friends that were forever friends and he trained and mentored hundreds for young firefighters to become the honorable men and women they are today, serving communities throughout the state and beyond,” the press release states.

Though Lemon was only with North Whidbey Fire and Rescue a very short period, he had already started to make improvements to the department.

“He had started to show the firefighters and EMTs that we all need a balance in our lives,” the release states.

“He was truly the light that promised a brighter and more promising future for not only the members of the department but for the members of the community as well.”

Late fire chief honored at ceremony in Renton