Renton firefighter shot while responding to call highlights dangers facing first responders

A Renton firefighter is recovering after being shot while responding to a call in an Albertsons parking lot. The shooting is another example of the dangers first responders face while trying to help people in crisis.

The shooting happened just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of an Albertsons on NE Sunset Boulevard.

Police officers were responding to assist the fire department with a report of an unconscious person inside a vehicle when officers arriving at the scene heard a gunshot.

A firefighter was hit. Officers returned fire, and police say the suspect was killed.

The firefighter was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Photos from the scene, published by FOX 13, show officers pointing their weapons toward a white van. The van appears to have multiple bullet impacts in its windshield, and the passenger-side window is shattered.

The Valley Independent Investigative Team is handling the investigation, with Auburn Police Department serving as the lead agency.

Recent incidents highlight dangers facing first responders

The shooting is another reminder of the unpredictable situations first responders can encounter while trying to help people in crisis.

In Seattle, a person who was the subject of a welfare check stole a Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) response vehicle while two responders were conducting the check in the Greenwood neighborhood Wednesday night.

One responder had left the keys in the ignition to keep the vehicle’s amber warning lights operating. Police later caught up with the suspect and arrested them. No one was injured.

It’s the first known theft of a vehicle operated by Seattle’s CARE Department, which sends trained behavioral health professionals to respond to 911 calls involving people experiencing crises.

And last year in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, an ambush attack last year killed two firefighters, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, and seriously injured a third, Engineer Dave Tysdal.

Police said the suspect, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was found dead at the scene on Canfield Mountain. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said investigators believe Roley shot himself.

Authorities believe he acted alone and deliberately started the brush fire to lure firefighters into the ambush.

Renton firefighters’ union calls shooting horrific

The Renton firefighters’ union called the shooting a horrific situation that no firefighter should have to experience.

The union asked the community to keep the injured firefighter in their thoughts and prayers.

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