08/19/2026
Four new publicly accessible AEDs are now available in Gig Harbor parks thanks to the Gig Harbor Peninsula Firefighters Association and its partnership with the City of Gig Harbor.
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Firefighters Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated by members of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One. One of the Association's primary goals is to find meaningful ways to give back to the community beyond the emergency services its members provide while on duty.
That goal recently led to the donation of four AEDs, along with temperature-controlled outdoor cabinets, now located at Crescent Creek Park, Doris Heritage Park, Donkey Creek Park and Skansie Brothers Park.
The idea came together following a cardiac arrest at Crescent Creek Park last year. Early CPR and access to an AED carried by a Gig Harbor Police officer helped save a man's life. That AED was available as part of a 2024 initiative by GHFMO to outfit all Gig Harbor Police Department patrol vehicles with AEDs.
"Early CPR and defibrillation are two key steps in the chain of survival," said GHFMO Deputy Chief Tom Wescott. "When an individual experiences an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the science shows that their best chance of survival includes early CPR and early defibrillation."
For Association President and GHFMO Firefighter Justin Abts, the Crescent Creek incident made this project especially meaningful.
"Having recently had that CPR call at Crescent Creek, we felt this was a great opportunity for the Association to make a meaningful contribution to the community," Abts said.
The Association hopes this donation is just the beginning as it continues working to increase community outreach and expand its charitable efforts throughout the region.
We're proud of the Association and its members for finding another way to give back to the community they serve.
❤️ Want to be prepared to help when seconds matter?
Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One offers CPR, AED and First Aid certification classes to the public, giving community members the skills and confidence to take action during an emergency. Visit www.gigharborfire.org for more information and to register.
