Missing Orting Firefighter Found Dead

ORTING, WA - An Orting Valley Fire and Rescue captain who was reported missing on Sunday has been found dead. Capt. Art Vazquez had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the department.

The department released this statement Sunday about Vazquez' death:

It’s with a heavy heart that Orting Valley Fire and Rescue and the International Association of Firefighters Local 4459 announce the passing of one of our beloved members, Captain Art Vazquez. Captain Vazquez took his own life as a result of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. The Orting Valley Fire and Rescue family will pull together to make sure they get all the support they need.

While we are hurting with the loss of Captain Vazquez and struggling to understand it, we are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our community and firefighting family. We will not be answering any questions or providing additional information at this time but rather focusing our efforts on supporting Captain Vazquez’s family and the men and women of Orting Valley Fire and Rescue.

Details on the memorial service for Captain Vazquez will be released as soon as they are available. Our thoughts are with Art’s family as we all mourn the loss of our brother during this very difficult time. Media inquiries can be directed to Assistant Chief Steve Richards with Graham Fire and Rescue. Assistant Chief Richards can be reached at (253) 732-2121 or srichards@GrahamFire.org.

Help is available ff you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. The national suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Image courtesy Orting Valley Fire and Rescue