Everett Council swears in new firefighters, honors retired Captain Jerry O'Hearn for electric-vehicle fire tool

The Everett City Council on March 25 confirmed and swore in a new class of firefighters and presented a citation to a retired captain for a firefighting innovation.

The council suspended its rules to take Item 3 from the calendar and by roll call approved the confirmations of the appointees. After the roll-call result was announced, the clerk led the new firefighters in the oath of office for the Everett Fire Department.

Councilor Matuski presented a citation honoring retired Captain Jerry O'Hearn for developing what the citation called a device — described in remarks as the "jerry pipe" — intended to reduce the risk associated with lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles. Fire Chief Joe Hickey thanked O'Hearn, saying retirement had not diminished his commitment to public safety. O'Hearn told the council the device has drawn interest from fire departments along the East Coast and from the National Fire Academy in Arizona.

The council recessed briefly for a photo opportunity after the swearing-in and then resumed regular business. No formal vote or ordinance accompanied the citation; it was presented as a ceremonial recognition by the council.

The meeting then moved into a public-comment period in which residents raised unrelated issues including the proposed stadium and the condition of the old Everett High School. The council later continued with routine votes and committee referrals.