Cody was a devoted family man and dedicated firefighter. He was born in Seward, Alaska, on January 27, 1980. Growing up, he enjoyed ATVs, snowmobiling, and fishing. He died in a line-of-duty accident on August 26, 2021.

Cody’s family moved to eastern Washington in 1992, where he began his 18-year career in the fire service. Cody held an AA degree in fire science and a BA in communications. Prior to employment with Fire District 9, he worked part-time for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as an engine lead. He volunteered for Stevens County FD #1, Spokane County FD #4, Cheney FD, and Kittitas County FD. He was active with all levels of training, including structural firefighting and medical. Wildland firefighting was his passion. Cody was a nationally qualified line safety officer and served on Washington Interagency Management Team #12. He was a qualified heavy equipment boss, leading dozers in firefights in the wildland urban interface across eastern Washington. He coordinated the District 9 Wildfire Training Program and served as drillmaster for the North Spokane Volunteer Firefighter Recruit School.

Cody became a paramedic in 2008 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. He is described as “the firefighter of firefighters” and was one of the first to step up when asked to help in any way. Fellow firefighters relate stories of how he was a great, supportive friend. If he knew of a need, he would help you with it, no questions asked and no expectation of a payback. He raised money to help send the family of a fellow firefighter to Ireland as the mother’s dying wish.

Cody loved to tease and had a great sense of humor. People loved being around him. This fun-loving, kind, and generous spirit was evident in the way Cody was with his family. He married Allisyn on December 9, 2011. They had four children, Coen, Bentley, Cayden, and Rielle. Cody made every day and every activity a fun-filled time. Cody’s father taught him construction skills, and he spent many hours working on their home and lake cabin, where he taught his children water sports. He loved celebrating holidays, BBQs on the 4th of July, pulling the kids in a trailer around the neighborhood for trick or treating, and going to the woods for a Christmas tree with hot chocolate and sledding.

Cody welcomed everyone and was inclusive of all. He was always there for his family, friends, and coworkers. His service to others and love for life and his family and friends will be a treasured memory. He will be greatly missed.