SEAVEY, Sr., James P.
.Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes.
Cabin John Park V.F.D. ~ Montgomery County ~ Maryland.
In 1976, James P. "Jim" Seavey was 16 years old when he joined the Glen Echo Fire Department. Over the next 1 and ½ decades he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief before moving to the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department where on January 1,1992 he became Chief of the Department ,a position he held for 26 consecutive years, until his retirement on December 31,2017.
Jim realized a childhood dream when in 1986 he was hired by the District of Columbia Fire Department as member of Recruit Class No.296 . He graduated as president of his class and for the next 30 years enjoyed a robust & fulfilling career, retiring with the rank of Captain .
In 2013, Chief Seavey was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of firefighter occupational blood cancer, and his battle with the disease began.
Chief Seavey continued working and served tirelessly as an advocate for firefighters nationwide. He researched and co-authored "The Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer", published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The publication brought forth 11 actions that can dramatically reduce deaths of first responders from various firefighting occupational cancers.
Chief Seavey was a constant advocate for the volunteer fire service and over the years served in numerous related positions at the local, State,& National level.
He 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 VFD.
He was an active member of the DC Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and was their first Honor Guard Sergeant.
Sadly, on September 4,2018, after 5 courageous years of battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a result of an occupational exposure, Chief Seavey passed away .
Chief James Perrine ”Jim” Seavey, Sr. was 58 years old and had served in the fire & EMS service for 42 years.
