SBRFA Fire Chief Dennis Benn retires

Published with permission and written By Barb Aue, South Beach Community Bulletin Board

After more than 23 years of dedicated service, South Beach Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Dennis Benn officially retired January 31, 2025. While previous press releases from the SBRFA have detailed the many milestones and accomplishments of his professional career, this entry’s purpose is to share a bit more about the man and his life thus far as an individual.

SBRFA Fire Chief Dennis Benn is retiring

Early years

Dennis’ dad served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He was born January 29, 1960 in El Paso, Texas where his dad was stationed at the time. When Dennis was three, the family moved to North Pole, Alaska, where his dad served an additional decade prior to retiring.

In 1974, the family moved to Washington State, where both of his parents were raised. They stayed with his grandmother in Olympia for a year, and then, after much consideration, made the decision to move permanently to Westport. At age 14, Dennis started attending Ocosta Jr/Sr High, graduating in 1978.

Working life

Dennis tells this part of his story best, so… The following is in his own words:

“Like many older Westporters, I began my working career deck-handing on my dad’s fishing boat. I got my first ‘real’ job at age 15 or 16, working at Paul’s Bait Shack near the Westport Airport at the time. My dad then offered to pay me to deck-hand for him, and for the next 26 years, I worked in the commercial fishing industry.

“In the early 90s, the fishing industry fell on its face and we were having trouble making ends meet, so I decided to change occupations. I entered into the construction world, working for different contractors and taking odd jobs on my own. Then in the late 90s the housing market fell on its face. So, I decided that I would blend my careers, fishing in the summer months and working construction in the winter months.

“Then September 11, 2001 happened, which catapulted me into my fire career. I volunteered for the Ocosta Fire Department and for the Westport Fire Department. I had great mentors and instructors, who, along with my wife, encouraged me to push myself to see how far I could go.

“January 2, 2006, I was hired for the position of Fire Chief by the City of Westport. Over the years, it became increasingly apparent that combining the six different Fire and EMS organizations on the South Beach would lead to improved capabilities and reduce redundancies, thus reducing costs to the citizens. In 2017, the South Beach Regional Fire Authority was formed and approved by the citizens of the South Beach. I was hired as an EMT under the new organizational structure. In 2018, I was hired as the Fire Chief of SBRFA.”

Personal accomplishments/milestones

When asked what he considers to be his top personal accomplishments and milestones, Dennis was quick to reply: “First and foremost, getting married to my wonderful wife of 39 years; then my children Jenny and James, followed by building our house on Laidlaw Island.

“For me, I consider every day a special day. I try to gain something every day, whether that something is knowledge or empathy or compassion or building a relationship that both parties can gain from,” he added.

Family Matters

Dennis married Lisa Alexander April 5, 1986 in Aberdeen, WA. They first met at the Port of Grays Harbor Westport Marina customer service office, where she was the manager. Lisa worked for the Port for 40 years, retiring last August as its Accounting Manager.

The couple lived in Aberdeen for the next 11 years, where they welcomed their first child, daughter Jennifer, in 1994 and then son James, who was born in 1996. The Benn family moved to Laidlaw Island near Brady’s Oysters after completing construction of their dream home in 1997.

A veterinarian technician in Aberdeen, Jenny lives in North Cove with her husband Cory Miller, co-owner of his family’s Miller Dirt excavating/contracting business. Their son Camden is three years old.

James was recently hired at the Fire Department and works concrete construction in his spare time. He and his wife Kayla are currently living with Dennis and Lisa while they prepare to build their own home on Laidlaw Island. Kayla works as a coffee barista in Aberdeen. Their daughter Delilah is two years old.

Retirement Plans

In retirement, Dennis says that he is looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren, helping James and Kayla build their home, do some lake fishing in Eastern Washington, spend more time at their cabin on North River, go to a Mariners game twice a year and a personal favorite: duck hunting.

With a strong mindset to continue to serve our community, Dennis is also considering coaching Little League baseball or children’s soccer. (Organizers take note come recruiting season!)

And, after a short hiatus to let new SBRFA command staff settle in, he also plans to return to volunteer status with the Fire Department to have an opportunity to work alongside his son.

“I truly feel that I am the luckiest man on Earth. My story has been a Cinderella story. And in the middle of that story, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest people on the planet. The first responders of the South Beach area have their hearts in the right place - a place of compassion and gratitude. Working with these responders has truly been a pleasure.”

And lucky are we as a community to have him as such a positive example in our midst. To those that know him well, including family, friends and co-workers, Dennis is most often described among many other adjectives of praise as compassionate, committed, giving, honest, trustworthy and an extraordinary leader, mentor and role model.

Thank you, Dennis, for being who you are and sharing such a large part of your life, wisdom and positive outlook with us!

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION REMINDER!

All South Beach community members are invited and encouraged to attend Dennis Benn’s retirement celebration at the Grayland Community Hall February 21st, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Come as you are to congratulate Dennis and thank him for his selfless dedication to the safety and well-being of our community.