WTRFA Peer Support

 

Ricardo Santee (WTRFA Coordinator) (360) 359-5681

I’ve served in the fire service since 2008. Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, playing paintball, and spending quality time with my family.

It's easy to get so focused on helping others that we forget to take care of ourselves. That’s why I believe the peer support team is such an important resource, it’s there to offer support during the tough times when we need it most.

Remember, you’re never alone. I’m just a phone call away.

Mike Morales (360)701-7885

I have been in the fire service for 12 years. 4 years as a resident, 8 years career, and promoted for 3 years. I am a football and wrestling coach for our local high school. I love the outdoors, working out and spending time with my wife and kiddos. I believe that peer support is an important part of our job to be there for those we work with and serve our own just as we serve our community. I really enjoy helping people reach their full potential in life and help them meet and exceed their own expectations.

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Andrea Reynoldson (360) 280-0116

 I began my fire service journey in 2008, right after high school, volunteering as a firefighter/EMT in King County. During that time, I also worked as an ER tech with MultiCare, gaining valuable experience in emergency medicine. After meeting my husband and moving to Thurston County, I stepped away from the field to raise our two daughters.

I always knew I’d return to the fire service when the time was right. Now, with my girls in school, I'm back to pursuing my passion—serving the community and supporting others.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching my daughters play competitive softball, camping with my family, riding at the dunes, and racing our side-by-side. These moments ground me and remind me of the importance of balance.

As first responders, we show up on people’s hardest days, but it’s just as important to look out for each other. I believe it's okay to not be okay, and I’m always here with an open ear and an open heart.

Christian Vavrinec (360) 915-2778

Hello! I am Christian Vavrinec. I have been in the fire service for almost 15 years total now. Before my fire service career, I worked Olympic ambulance, and before that, construction/building maintenance jobs. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, surfing, and working on my car. Whatever gets me outside, and (hopefully) in the sun.

 I am excited and honored to be a part of the peer support team, and am looking forward to lending a listening ear to my brothers and sisters out there. I have found in therapy that it is just as important to take care of yourself mentally & spiritually, as it is physically. I used to be a “stuffer”…I didn’t want to talk about the calls that I ran. I quickly found out that either you deal with the trauma, or it will deal with you. It is OK to not be OK!

 I have been a recipient of the peer support team, and I can confirm that the impact they had was a game changer. I feel like it’s time to pay it forward and share with others some of the lessons I learned, that helped me when I was “Down in a Hole.”

 Feel free to reach out! Whether you want to meet up, text, call, or anything in between, I’m glad to support however I can.