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CHIEF INTEREST – Firefighting is a family tradition for Aaron Reinstra, the new chief at La Conner Hook & Ladder. He literally grew up in the local department. La Conner Hook & Ladder, in turn, enjoys a rich tradition. It was the first all-volunteer fire department in Washington state to be issued a defibrillator, a life-saving apparatus that applies electric current to the heart or chest wall. – Photo by Brad Reynolds
Aaron Reinstra was born to be a fire chief.
The La Conner Fire Chief, to be exact.
As a kid he would sneak along when his dad was called from home to the fire hall for emergency runs. Reinstra was just eight or nine at the time, but it only seemed natural to catch those rides given that multiple generations of his family have served as La Conner firefighters.
Reinstra’s own service dates to 1991. Today he is La Conner Hook & Ladder’s new chief, succeeding Josh Morrison, who stepped down from the role after two years due to work and family commitments.
Aaron’s grandfather, Joe Reinstra, served 25 years in the department and was also a La Conner mayor and town council member while managing the Dunlap Towing log yard.
The tradition now extends to Reinstra’s son, Erick, part of a recent wave of young La Conner firefighters.
Under Morrison, Reinstra said the La Conner department tripled in membership, from eight firefighters to more than two dozen.
“Josh is still active in the department,” said Mayor Ramon Hayes. “He’s just having to readjust priorities.”
Reinstra’s priorities include continuing the growth La Conner Hook & Ladder enjoyed under Morrison.
“We can always use more volunteers,” Reinstra said last week. “We never turn anyone away.”
Reinstra started as what he calls “a rookie volunteer,” learning the ropes under then Fire Chief Tom Zimmerman. He was attending Centralia Community College, a year removed from being a standout student-athlete at La Conner High. Over the years he advanced through the ranks, rising to training officer, assistant chief, and now fire chief.
During his nearly 30 years with the department, Reinstra has responded to just about every emergency call imaginable – even repelling rock cliffs to rescue a fall victim.
La Conner Hook & Ladder boasts specially-trained members with wide-ranging skill sets, from firefighting and handling hazardous materials to providing emergency medical services and extricating victims at crash scenes.
The department also includes members who can respond to shoreline and maritime emergencies.
In addition, you’re likely to see La Conner firefighters lending assistance at parades, ball games and special events.
“Our department is very community-based,” Reinstra told La Conner Weekly News. “That’s what we love about it. If you ever need help, call us. That’s what we’re here for.”
Reinstra, who has followed in his grandpa’s footsteps at Dunlap Towing, is likewise visible in the community as a La Conner High assistant girls’ soccer coach.
Embracing that sense of community is very important on several levels to Reinstra and his wife Jaime. They were overwhelmed with community support when their older daughter, Ashlyn, a top La Conner High and Skagit Valley College soccer player, was undergoing successful treatment for leukemia.
That memory is one of many that helps fuel Reinstra’s devotion to public service in his home town.
“This is one of the greatest places in the world,” Reinstra said of La Conner. “I’ve been to a lot of small towns, but this is the best. It’s a very special place.”
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