This evening, we learned that Seattle Fire Deputy Chief Jay Schreckengost was found deceased in the Cliffdell area where the search has been focused. We are incredibly saddened by this news and are all grieving the loss of one of our own. Deputy Chief Schreckengost was a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now who have been at the site every day searching alongside search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies.
Over the past 12 days since Jay was first reported missing, more than 60 different agencies and 160 SFD members responded to the site, determined to find our beloved member.
We want to acknowledge the tremendous support of the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office in leading the effort to find Jay. They, along with all of the technical teams and search and rescue volunteers, conducted an extensive search that led to today’s discovery. We are grateful, too, for the support of businesses, who provided food and lodging and set up critical radio and cellular networks, and members of the community.
While the outcome is not what we would have hoped, we know that this will bring closure to Jay’s family, friends and colleagues.
For more information on the search efforts, visit the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.