On November 4, 2010 a traditional firefighter procession and memorial service will be held to honor Seattle Fire Department Deputy Chief Jesse Youngs who died at the age of 53 on October 22, 2010 after losing his battle with cancer. The procession will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Boren Avenue and Mercer Street and will continue to the Naval Reserve Building at 860 Terry Avenue North for a 2:00 p.m. memorial where the Seattle Fire Boat Leschi will provide a water display.
Deputy Chief Youngs joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1978. During his 32 year career he worked at some of Seattle’s busiest fire stations. In 2004, Youngs reached the rank of Deputy Chief and over saw the fire departments Training Division. Youngs later became the Deputy Chief of Operations in which he was the designated Incident Commander at all significant emergency incidents city wide. His leadership, sense of professionalism and knowledge of fire ground operations was widely recognized. Youngs was chosen by his fellow firefighters as Chief of the Year in 2007 and served as Vice President of the Fire Chief’s Union, Local 2898. He was also nominated for a Seattle Management Association, Excellence in Management Award.
Chief Youngs is survived by his wife Marie Youngs, daughters Maegen Youngs and Heather Stafford (Jeff), grandsons Kaden, Kaige and Grady, brother Bill Youngs, sister Linda Youngs, nephew Ryan Youngs (Emily) and Chris Youngs (Kristen), 3 great-nieces, and 1 great-nephew.