For 100 years, the firefighters of Station 37 have been a cornerstone of the West Seattle community, responding to emergencies on what for many people is often "their worst day". While the station now operates from a modern facility, its legacy is rooted in a historic landmark building that has watched over the neighborhood since 1925.

They celebrated their Centennial with an open house Sept 28 with a community open house offering cookies, cake, safety information, photos and visits with firefighters. 

A Landmark's Legacy

The original Fire Station 37, located at 7302 35th Avenue SW, was built in 1925 in the then-undeveloped Sunrise Heights neighborhood. At the time, the area had few roads and didn't even have sidewalks until about 1920. Designed in the popular Mission Revival style with characteristic stucco walls and red tile roofs, the building is attributed to Seattle's city architect, Daniel R. Huntington.

For decades, this station served the growing community from its modest 4,100-square-foot space. Though eventually deemed too small for modern firefighting needs, many firefighters cherished the station for its "home-like atmosphere" and unique charm. In 2005, its architectural and cultural significance earned it designation as a Seattle Landmark.

The station officially moved to a new, larger facility just down the street on October 5, 2010. The move was part of a city-wide initiative funded by the 2003 Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy to create safer, earthquake-resilient stations. The original building was sold by the city in 2012 but remains a protected landmark.

Inside the Modern Station 37

Today, Fire Station 37 is home to Engine 37 and Ladder 13. Its crews are staffed 24 hours a day, with about eight firefighters on duty per shift. One of those firefighters is driver Jay Roughton, a 27-year veteran who has spent his entire career serving West Seattle.

“I fell in love with the West Seattle community and decided to make this my home,” Roughton said. He explained that the role of a fire station extends far beyond putting out fires. “We are basically here for people on what often times is their worst day. So whether that's something medical, whether their cat gets stuck in the wall, whether their kid falls off the roof... the stories are endless”.

The job demands mental fortitude. Roughton notes that nearly every firefighter has the ability to "turn that switch off and just work" during a crisis. Afterward, the crew holds an informal performance review. “Immediately after the call is over, we do... what did we do right? What did we do wrong? How can we improve?” he explained. “It's not about pointing fingers or any sort of disciplinary action. It's just about getting better”.

The pressure is constant. Crews must be out the door in under 60 seconds and aim to arrive at any address within four minutes. Broughton, who holds the coveted position of driver, says one of the biggest challenges on the road is other drivers. He feels there's less public education today, and many people panic or don't know how to react when they see an emergency vehicle. His advice is simple: "pull to the right for sirens and lights".

Leadership and Looking Forward

Captain Sean Williams, who has been at the station for about five months after serving with Engine 11, oversees the crews and equipment. He notes that the fire engines themselves have a long service life. “We keep them in service for about 15 years before they are replaced, 10 years in front line service and then around five for backup before they are sold,” Williams stated. He also explained that through Medic One the Seattle Fire Department ranks among the best in the world with regard to cardiac survival rates. Seattle’s resuscitation rates are among the highest globally, with survival rates for cardiac arrest hovering around 50%, compared to 10–20% in many other cities.

The city is often cited as a model for EMS systems worldwide, and its protocols have influenced emergency medical training across the globe.

From its historic Mission Revival roots to its modern, high-tech facility, Fire Station 37 continues its century-long tradition of protecting and serving the people of West Seattle.

The Seattle Fire Department is actively seeking recruits and urges those who would like to become part of their team to visit SEATTLEFIREJOBS.COM