Bobby Williams, Fire Chief, No Phone Number Available
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 10 a.m.
The Spokane and Spokane Valley Fire Departments held a Line of Duty Death memorial at Riverside Memorial Park on October 8. The ceremony honored the lives and service of Spokane firefighter John Knighten and Spokane Valley firefighter George Sly Jr. The names of both men were added to the Spokane County Law Enforcement and Firefighters Memorial. The memorial is open to the public and can be viewed during park hours.
John Knighten lost his three-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer on June 30, 2013. He was 45 and a 19-year veteran of the Spokane Fire Department. John graduated from the Spokane Regional Fire Recruit Training Academy where he was recognized as the “Top Recruit” of his class. He spent most of his career working at Station 4 and also worked out of Station 2. John received the Spokane Fire Department’s Purple Heart award on June 6, 2013 recognizing his courage and inspiration. John is survived by his loving wife, Shawna, and three daughters, Ashley, Kasey and Kiley.
George H. Sly Jr. died following his battle with laryngeal cancer on November 22, 2011. He was 62 and a retired 32-year veteran of the Spokane Valley Fire Department. On April 17, 1978, he followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a second-generation firefighter with the Spokane Valley Fire Department. He was the Union Fairness Officer and was active in the International Association of Firefighters Local 876. He will always be remembered for his love for his family and the fire department. George is survived by his wife, Linda, and two children, Kristoffer and Jocelyn.
