An honored and beloved first responder in the greater Washington, DC area for 42 years and a key member of state, regional, and national fire and rescue organizations, James Perrine Seavey Sr. passed away September 4, 2018, after a courageous five-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

If it pertained to firefighting, Jim embraced it. His calling began in 1976 as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Glen Echo Fire Department. There he rose to the rank of assistant chief. He moved to the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department in 1990 and took office as fire/rescue chief in 1992, a post he held until retiring on December 31, 2017.

Having declared from a young age a goal of becoming a career firefighter for the District of Columbia, he fulfilled his dream on May 27, 1986. Throughout his career, Jim’s passion was elevating morale, empowering members to exceed expectations, and providing through example unparalleled selflessness at every opportunity.

Jim also held several positions, serving on the board of directors of the National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs-Volunteer and Combination Officers Section, and the International Rescue Symposium. He also served as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and president of the Eastern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Jim also worked to further the U.S. fire service on an international level, fostering a foundation for international fire service cooperation and understanding. He created an opportunity for cultural, technological, and educational exchange between the U.S. and German fire services, and in recognition of these efforts the German Fire Service awarded him with the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, as well as the German Silver Cross. He also was instrumental in working with the Embassy of Chile and the Chilean Navy on the acquisition, transfer, and hands-on training on a retired fire engine from Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department.

In 2009, Jim was nationally recognized by Fire Chief Magazine as Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year.

An avid traveler, he cherished lifetime friendships in Halstenbek, Germany; San Felipe, Mexico; and Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming. Jim’s love for mountain and waterfront views guided him to family vacation homes in Rehoboth Bay, Delaware, and Big Horn, Wyoming.

Jim is remembered for his extraordinary devotion to family and for often undertaking duties that transcended traditional roles. He was a faithful soul and he lived with a strong love for God.