If you have visited our headquarters Station 31, you have most likely had the pleasure of meeting Gwen Streeter, Records Specialist for the Valley Regional Fire Authority. Gwen is often the first person you meet in our front office, and she greets everyone with her magnetic personality and contagious sense of humor.

Soon Streeter will be retiring, and while we wish her well, she will be greatly missed.

“It takes a special person to bring positive energy and humor to the workplace and to help others genuinely enjoy coming to work. Gwen brings such a light to the VRFA and those that she interacts with every day.  She is also the person most turn to when they need help with just about anything. We will all very much miss Gwen’s smile, laughter, and all that she does for each of us. I am personally very grateful for having had the opportunity to work alongside Gwen,” said Fire Chief Brad Thompson

After graduating from Auburn High School and Knapp College of Business, Gwen began a long career in public service. She started working for the state of Washington in 1989, progressed to the Cities of Tukwila and Enumclaw from 1997-2011, and finally joined the VRFA in 2011. Being born and raised in Auburn, Streeter enjoyed returning to work in her hometown.

“My years as part of the VRFA have been some of the most rewarding of my career. I have been able to provide assistance to the citizens of my hometown and use my knowledge of Auburn and surrounding cities,” said Streeter.

Gwen has excelled in serving members of the VRFA community. One supervisor even referred to her as “Director of Customer Service.”  In addition to her regular duties, Gwen has been called upon to calm citizens who walk in with medical emergencies and simultaneously alert Firefighter/EMT’s of the situation. In 2018, Streeter received the “VRFA Professional Excellence Award” in recognition of her significant professional response and extraordinary compassion provided to a citizen in crisis. Utilizing the “Safe Place for Newborns” Act, that citizen placed an hours-old baby into Gwen’s arms. Streeter and on-duty Firefighter/EMT’s cared for the child until social services could respond.

Streeter’s coworkers are grateful for the fun and camaraderie she brings to the office each day. She also has a soft spot for animals and will be remembered for feeding the birds and bunnies at Station 31, rescuing feral cats and injured birds.

“Gwen is compassionate, empathetic, and provides excellent customer service to the public and staff.  The occasional blood pressure check visit by a citizen  turns into a daily visit once they meet Gwen.  She has such a way of putting people at ease and making them laugh. She always has a story to share, can tell you almost anything about the history of Auburn, and could be a winning contestant on Jeopardy for her knowledge of movies and music,” said coworker Angie Boyle.

“I’ll always remember the first time I met Gwen – it was very apparent that she was filled with kindness, compassion, and energy.  She has never failed to live up to that, and I’m not alone in saying that she will be very missed,” said her supervisor and Chief Financial Officer, Mark Horaski.

Gwen and her husband plan to travel and enjoy golfing, hiking, and camping along the way. Congratulations, Gwen!