Off-Duty Woodinville Firefighter Dies After Crash on Camano Island

 Firefighter Matt Roodzant, 38, died early Thursday morning as the result of a single-vehicle crash on Camano Island Wednesday night. The incident occurred approximately five miles west of Stanwood shortly before 10:30 p.m.

Roodzant was scheduled to work at the time of the collision but traded the second half of his 48-hour shift with a colleague so he could accompany one of his children on a field trip Wednesday. 

Co-workers on duty at the time are shaken and saddened by news of Matt’s death. 

“Firefighters confront the reality of death more frequently than most, but the loss of one of our own personalizes the work we do and makes us much more aware of our own mortality,” said Interim Fire Chief Mark Chubb.

Chief Chubb confirmed that Woodinville Fire & Rescue staff are attending to the immediate needs of Roodzant’s family and co-workers. 

“Matt was well-known to his colleagues inside and outside the fire district as a skilled and compassionate firefighter who cared deeply about our citizens’ welfare. We are making every effort to see that his family and colleagues are treated as well as he treated the people he served,” Chubb said. 

Roodzant joined Woodinville Fire & Rescue in 1998. In addition to his assignment at Station 31, he looked after the maintenance of the District’s self-contained breathing apparatus. "His skill and professionalism performing these added duties was greatly appreciated by fellow firefighters who rely on this equipment for their survival in hostile environments," according to Chubb.

Roodzant is survived by his wife of 15 years, Johanna. Matt and Johanna have three children aged 9, 8 and 5.

Alcohol and speed are believed to have contributed to the crash, according to Washington State Trooper Keith Leary. Roodzant failed to stop his pickup truck and crashed through a guard rail, hitting a tree. A passenger in the truck was unharmed.

The fire district will release further information concerning memorial arrangements as it becomes available.