Lindsay Chatterton, fire commissioner and true hero

Lindsay Chatterton

Every now and then you get the opportunity to meet a true hero and Lindsay Chatterton was just that man. He passed on February 27, 2023. He lived in Winlock for nearly 40 years and served as a Fire Commissioner for 18 years. He had a combined service in the fire departments of well over 50 years. It wasn't just his time in the fire departments in Kelso and Winlock that made him a hero, he was also a WWII veteran.

He gave selflessly as a soldier and as a fire commissioner, but he was just as selfless as a neighbor. I didn't know him as a fire commissioner or EMT, I only knew him as our neighbor who would help at the drop hat. For years, you would see Lindsay walking every day down the Winlock Vader Rd. to have coffee with the guys. He kept cows on his property until just a few years ago, always offering a side of beef. Lindsay was always kind, never saying a harsh word about anyone. He was a christian who attended church weekly and lived his faith daily. He was one of a kind, who will be missed by all who knew him.

He served the Winlock Fire Department, Lewis County Fire District as Commissioner for three 6-year terms.

Kevin Anderson, former employee of the fire district stated, "Lindsay had a giant heart in many respects and I had known him to tirelessly have it committed to the members and citizens of Fire District 15. From serving a citizen in their time of need as a responder to helping make the decisions as an elected official to help set the course of the district to position itself to better serve the community, Lindsay's mark on the community of Winlock and communities beyond is everlasting. He was an integral part of the collective organization to provide emergency medical services in south and central Lewis County for nearly three decades, positively impacting the lives of a countless number of people. He served as a Fire Commissioner of Fire District 15 for three terms, 18 years, and his signature is present on many of the documents that have allowed the District to progress its capabilities to serve its community as it does today. Possibly even more remarkable, with all of the stressors that can be involved with the business of fire and EMS, I can honestly say that I do not ever recall an encounter with Lindsay where I did not see him display his genuine, giant smile." A big smile with a big heart!

"He was a giant of a man with a gentle soul" and was the greatest manifestation of the scripture verse "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God," said Randy Pennington.

Carrie Pennington who also worked on the ambulance crew with Lindsay stated, "If ever there was a man who deserved his angel wings, it was Lindsay. He was a dear friend and fellow EMT on our ambulance for many years. His compassion for EMS and our community was untouchable. His big heart will never be forgotten."

Lewis County Fire District Chief Richard Underdahl stated, "I first met Lindsay in 2007 when I first was appointed as a fire commissioner with Lewis County Fire District #7 in Vader. He said, 'Well son, you are in it now. Once you're in, you can't get out!' We laughed about the fire service hanging on to people even when they tried to quit. He was right because here I am still. He was always friendly and helpful to me, and he cared deeply about the communities in both Lewis and Cowlitz counties. His dedication to helping people in need is to be emulated by all generations."

"Lindsay had an impact on not only the local emergency services but the entirety of southwest Washington," said President of Lewis County Fire Chiefs Association Gregg Peterson. "We all lost a valuable resource. Lindsay saw the formation of many fire departments over the entire region. Rest easy Lindsay, know the crews your hands raised have it from here."

Lindsay Chatterton, WWII veteran, fire and ambulance volunteer and Fire Commissioner went above and beyond the call of duty for anyone, but more importantly, he volunteered for all of us. A true Hero who will be missed!