Dean Gerld Warren was born in Wenatchee, Washington, to Dean and Ellen Warren. Shortly after he was born, their family moved across the mountains to Edmonds, Washington, into the home where Dean would live out his childhood. Dean graduated from Edmonds High School in 1982 but decided college was not for him. His passion was in the fire service! He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a volunteer firefighter for the city of Edmonds.

Soon after that, he met the love of his life, Sue Conrad. They married in 1985 and had their first and only child, Elise Warren, in 1990.

After testing in several fire departments, Dean was hired on with Edmonds Fire Department in 1991. During his tenure, the fire department went through several transformations and a merger, and it went from being called Edmonds Fire Department to South County Fire.

Dean’s passion for the fire service knew no limits! He worked tirelessly to improve himself. Once he became captain, he helped with training his crew in boat rescue operations, something he excelled at with his knowledge, enthusiasm, and patience. His crew, along with numerous other firefighters, really missed Dean when he retired from duty in 2017. They all kept in touch, traveled together for vacations, and met once a year at Lake Roosevelt for a week of fun!

After his retirement, his passion for service did not stop. He joined Chelan County Search and Rescue and was an active member until his death on July 21, 2024.

Dean led a full and happy life and will be missed forever.