Lakewood Fire Dispatcher Honored at Daughter's School
Posted on June 2, 2010
Lakewood firefighters and dispatchers gather with Guy’s wife, Wendy (center, in black) and Char Bair (far left)
Lakewood, Wash. – On Thursday, May 27, 2010, Olympic View Elementary students, PTA members, North Thurston School District employees, Lakewood Fire Department firefighters and Fire Comm dispatchers gathered together for one reason: to honor Guy Ploegman.
Guy Ploegman worked at the Lakewood Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter from 1972-1983 and then became a Fire Comm dispatcher in 1983 until he retired as a dispatch supervisor in 2007. Guy retired to spend time with his family; his wife, Wendy, and daughter Amanda. Sadly, Guy's time was cut short with his girls, as he passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on December 7, 2009. Guy has been greatly missed, not only by his family, but his Lakewood Fire family and all who knew him.
With the help of Lakewood dispatchers, Guy’s daughter, Amanda, unveils her father’s dedicated sign
One great loss was suffered by the Olympic View Elementary School, where Amanda Ploegman is currently a fourth grader. Guy’s enthusiasm and dedication drove him to be a volunteer in the classroom as well as taking part in activities Amanda was involved in. The North Thurston School District decided to honor the wishes of Olympic View PTA members to dedicate the fire lane in front of the school to Guy.
With special thanks to Char Bair, a PTA member and LESA (Law Enforcement Support Agency) dispatcher, the idea of dedicating the fire lane took flight. The sign was donated by Zumar Industries in Tacoma.
The fire lane is now memorialized with a street sign reading, “Guy Ploegman Drive”. Students, teachers, firefighters, dispatchers and family all gathered to watch Amanda Ploegman unveil her father’s street sign.
Amanda Ploegman and FireComm dispatcher Jeff Axtell
Amanda’s fourth grade class with Lakewood Fire Engine 23
Wendy and Amanda Ploegman
Lakewood Fire with Wendy and Amanda Ploegman
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