Don Svetich came to Quilcene in 1986 as a U.S. Forest Service wildland fire fighter after serving in the US Army Infantry. After a nearly 30 year career with the Olympic National Forest, he retired with the rank of Fire Captain. In 1996, while still with the Forest Service, he began volunteering with Quilcene Fire Rescue, serving as firefighter, lieutenant, assistant training officer, duty officer and informal mentor to many young members. After retirement from the Forest Service in 2015, Don was appointed as Deputy Chief at Quilcene Fire Rescue to handle training and wildland firefighting operations as well as some of the day-to-day operational duties. Don retired as Deputy Chief at the end of 2022 but continues to be involved in Wildland Fire coordination, DNR Timber Trust, and special projects. Don drives school bus part-time for Quilcene School District and lives in Quilcene with his wife Thais.