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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Firefighter
Age: 26
Year of Death: 2002

Dustin ‘Dusty’ Michael Schwendeman

Submitted by his parents

On January 21‚ 2002‚ Dusty went in response to a fire call. He was a member of the Dunham Volunteer Fire Department. Less than a mile from his home‚ he hit a patch of black ice and the car rolled three times – ejecting him out the sun roof. He died the morning of the 22nd.

He was 26 years old. He truly had a special place in his heart for his fireman brothers. He was starting his second term as President and enjoyed every project they worked on.

As a youth‚ Dusty loved showing horses. We traveled all over the United States with him‚ showing every weekend of the Spring and Summer. At age 13 he earned a world championship in the American Paint Horse Association. He also finished 1st in the nation in six different categories.

Dusty had a great love for children and spent much of his time with youth. When Dusty was 18 he opened a horse training facility. He trained horses for show along with training youth and amateurs. He was most happy when his barn was full of kids. The children loved him dearly.

In 1996 he graduated with a Business Degree from Washington State Community College. In 1999‚ he joined Schwendeman Insurance Agency. It was a family business and he was the 4th generation of the family to participate in the business.

Dusty had such a big heart and was good to everyone – always the first to lend a helping hand. He didn’t know a stranger. He was so very good to his father and I. We feel so very fortunate to have been blessed with him for 26 years. He was such a joy‚ such a caring and loving person; always had a smile for everyone.

Dusty was engaged to a wonderful girl. They planned to marry the Summer of his accident. We love her dearly and are thrilled to have remained very close to her.

Dusty touched so many hearts and will always be remembered for his love and kindness to everyone.

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  1. Remembering a great firefighter three years later. I can’t imagine it has been that long ago. It still feels like yesterday. We still think of you everyday, my friend, and we always will.You will always be in our hearts

    – Jessie Miller
  2. Remembering you today as I do every other day. You will always be one of the best parts of my life. Thank you for being a part of it! We all miss you terribly. Some things never change. Life will never be the same without you. Heaven must be even brighter with your presence. Can’t wait to see your smile again. I’ll see you again, I know. Until then, I’ll be loving you every day of my life. I love you, Dusty.

    – Jessie Miller