South Bay Peer Support
Allie Choate (SB coordinator) (360) 292-3614
My name is Allie Choate. I was hired with South Bay Fire in 2019. I got my start in the fire service back in 2013 with McLane Black Lake, through the FEST program. I was born in Cali, raised in Reno, and moved to the PNW when I was 21. I live on the Westside with my son Max, his father Dylan and two goofy dogs. My spare time is spent with my fellas; soaking up nature to slow down the clock, reading (it is the cheapest way to travel), and still trying to play the bass guitar. I came from humble beginnings but always had support from friends and family when it was needed. I joined the peer support team because we all need help sometimes. Firefighters helping firefighters? Sign me up!
Tyler Barthule (360) 463-2147
Hello…my name is Tyler Barthule. I am a volunteer receptionist at the South Bay Fire Department and have been serving for over 2 and 1/2 years. I am a U.S. Navy veteran and have currently been trained in peer support. I am a huge believer in empathy and believe that every person has unique skills that can be shared and that each one of us has unique tools we can use to be a better support for one another. I am here to help.
Evan Parnell (360) 701-3688
I started working for SBFD in 2008 and was hired full time in 2019. It has been a great experience and I truly love the people I work with and the nature of the work. It has become apparent to me in the past few years the need for a support structure for our members that may from time to time have difficulties when faced with the hard calls we see in this career field. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the thurston county peer support team and help those brothers and sisters that need it the most.
Bryce Gibler (360) 515-8442
I’m Bryce Gibler I was born and raised here in Olympia. I joined the fire service in 2017 as a volunteer with the South Bay Fire department and a part time FF/EMT with East Olympia. I was then hired career in Mason County. I ultimately found my way back home with South Bay. On my days off you can find me spending time with my dogs, riding dirt bikes or training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am looking forward to the opportunity to assist anyone interested in reaching out for help or guidance.
Eric Gettle (253) 267-3980
My name is Eric. I live in Chehalis with my wife and son. We've been married since 2015 and am thankful for the relationship we have. I love the people I work with in the fire service. It’s a blessing to work with such like-minded and servant hearted people. In my free time I enjoy many different hobbies to help me recharge but at the same time I love meeting new people and getting to know their real self. Relationships are the most important thing in this life. I'd love to chat with anyone who reaches out
Ryan Fakkema (907) 330-4453
I’m Ryan Fakkema. I grew up in Northern Washington on Whidbey Island. I moved to Olympia in 2017 after spending a couple years in the great white north, Anchorage Alaska. I have three years of career firefighting experience and another couple years volunteering here at South Bay Fire before that. When I’m not at work you can find me watching/playing sports, Dirtbiking, Soccer, Golf, any kind of sport really. Otherwise I’m at home recharging the batteries with my wife, Taylor and our two wild dogs. I joined the peer support team to help anyone realize that they are not alone, even though it may feel like it. Feel free to reach out any time! IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY!
Ernest Smith (253) 302-6614
Hello, my name is Ernest Smith, and I am a firefighter with the South Bay Fire Department, District 8. Before becoming a firefighter, I worked for Olympic Ambulance, provided diplomatic security in Afghanistan, and served six years in the military. Outside of the fire service, I am a father to an energetic daughter and a husband to a loving and supportive wife. I believe peer support is a space where empathy exists for those in need. Given my background, I felt this was a place where I could help.
Kristian Baldwin (360) 521-5840
Hello! I’m Kristian Baldwin, and I’ve been a firefighter since 2018. In 2022, I joined South Bay Fire to be closer to my loved ones, and I’ve enjoyed connecting with the Thurston County first responder community. This is my wife, Tiffiny (brunette), and our adventure pup, Nelly. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of supporting first responders in the future. I’m passionate about helping others and always looking for ways to grow in that area. When I’m not in the books or on the clock, Tiffiny and I love playing local music, trying to catch fish, riding horses, or tackling the never-ending checklist of PNW adventures. Please feel free to reach out anytime, even if it seems small—sometimes it’s nice to just lighten the shoulder load and take a deep breath.