Volunteer Firefighter Killed In Bicycle Crash Near Poulsbo

POULSBO, WA - The 77-year-old bicyclist who died after being hit by a car on Sunday south of Poulsbo was a longtime local volunteer firefighter. Joseph Vlach was 33-year volunteer with Poulsbo Fire, according to the department.

"We are saddened to say that Lt. Joe Vlach a longtime volunteer of 33 years has passed away as the result of a bicycle accident yesterday. We are all in a state of disbelief that we have lost this man, a great member of the department, grandfather, dad and loving husband.

"He was a loved member of the community and a careless giver of his time to others, he has touched many members of the community and will be missed," the department wrote in a statement on its Facebook page.

According to Washington State Patrol, Vlach was heading south on SR 3 and took the exit to head east on SR 308. State police said that Vlach did not yield when he entered SR 308, and was hit by a 21-year-old Keyport man who was heading eastbound.

State police are still investigating the incident and have not determined if the driver will be charged.

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