Scott A. LaVielle (December 17th, 1958 – February 11th, 2021), our hero, passed away on Thursday February 11th, son of Joanne A. LaVielle, Scott was the third of eight siblings and grew up in the Seattle King County area in the state of Washington. He attended Chief Sealth High School in Seattle where he excelled in many activities including football and theatre arts and his senior year of 1977, he earned All-American honors in baseball. Scott attended Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington on an athletic scholarship and was selected by the New York Mets in round #25 of the 1979 Amateur Entry Draft. He played one season with Mets Affiliate Grays Harbor Loggers of the Northwest League before setting his sights on his life-long passion of becoming a firefighter.
Scott became a Volunteer Firefighter in 1981 before being hired as a career Firefighter in 1982. Prior to attaining the position of Fire Chief in 2007, he served as Fire Marshal for over ten years and a shift Battalion Chief for over five years.
Scott loved serving and protecting the same neighborhoods in which he was raised and giving back to the community was one of his favorite hobbies. His love for children teaching CPR and First Aid at local schools was one of his favorite activities, always at the ready with firefighter helmets and sticker badges to pass out.
Chief LaVielle’s dedication to his communities and drive to always keep learning was highlighted by his numerous awards, professional certifications, and education accomplishments. In 2019 Chief LaVielle was accepted into the 2nd official
IAFC Diversity Executive Leadership Program (iDELP), a group that he was very proud of to be included in and help foster their important mission in the Fire Service. Chief LaVielle had a passion for making a difference in the lives of others and was always excited to play a significant role as a friend, mentor, and leader.
After 37 years in the Fire Service, Scott retired in August of 2020. Chief LaVielle served North Highline Fire District (30 years), City of Pullman Fire Department (1 year), and City of Tumwater Fire Department (6 years).
Often Scott would say how he would not be the man that he was without the love and dedicated support from his wife Jennifer. The absolute love of his life, Scott and Jennifer were married in Maui, Hawaii, their favorite vacation destination. The two of them did everything together, from exercise and golf to concerts and spa days.
Known simply as “Chief” to many, he was “Opa” to his two beautiful granddaughters, Layla Zey LaVielle, and Scarlett Scott LaVielle. Scott his survived by his wife, Jennifer, his three children Brandon (Stacy), Alexander, Samantha (Michael), and two granddaughters, Layla, and Scarlett.
Chief LaVielle’s Accomplishments and Professional Certifications Awards and Honors 1984 – “Firefighter of the Year” (North Highline Fire District)
1997 - American Red Cross “Everyday People, Everyday Hero” Award Winner for Washington State
2002 - “Community Hero of the Year” Boys and Girls Club of King County (Southwest Branch)
2009 – “Extraordinary Citizen Award” White Center Chamber of Commerce
Professional Certifications EFO – National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer
CFO – Chief Fire Officer
CEMSO – Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer
FM – Fire Marshal
MIFireE – Institution of Fire Engineers
Scott spent much of his career supporting what was formally known as the Northwest Burn Foundation and what is now called the Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation. Donations can be made in his honor at
Donate (paypal.com) A public Memorial Service will be held to honor Chief Scott A. LaVielle on March 13, 2021 at 11:00 am at New Life Church located at 15711 152nd AVE SE Renton, Washington 98058.
