Aaron Wong | Firefighter
How long have you worked with the Bellevue Fire Department?
I’ve been with the department for almost 12-years.
What is your experience like working through the holidays?
We get creative, build our own traditions, and the station really becomes a second home for my kids. I love cooking for the families that visit and getting to celebrate most holidays twice. On Christmas mornings, I set the alarm a little earlier so we can open gifts before my shift. I’m sure my kids would prefer me home, but I’m glad they’re growing up with memories of what public service looks like.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
Besides the fact that I actually can grow hair?! I love Disney! My wife was a little apprehensive at first, but I’ve successfully turned her into a fan. We were at the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and have taken our kids to all the Disney parks, except Hong Kong and Shanghai. Those are next!
What is your favorite quote to live by?
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths” – Walt Disney
Rob Dykstra | Lieutenant
How long have you worked with the Bellevue Fire Department?
2024 is my 18th year.
What is your experience like working through the holidays?
Holidays at the fire station are an enigma unless you've experienced it personally. On one hand, we're away from and missing our families and normal holiday traditions. On the other hand, we get to spend a holiday with our second family, which can be special in its own way. Oftentimes both worlds come together as our families come to the stations to celebrate with our "work" family. Kids are playing and making new friends, spouses and significant others get to meet and see work friends again, and then they get to watch us all run out when a call comes in. Some great holiday memories have been made sitting around extra folding tables in a fire station beanery.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I love onions and want to open an onion-themed food truck when I retire.
What is your favorite quote to live by?
Leaders go first.
Troy Donlin | Captain
How long have you worked with the Bellevue Fire Department?
I’ve been with the department for 21 years.
What is your experience like working through the holidays?
It’s hard being away from my loved ones during the holidays. My wife has managed birthdays, sporting events, and holidays as a single mother. I recognize her sacrifice as well as my children’s throughout the years. Work can also be hard during the holidays. Taking a loved one to the hospital or displacing a family for a destroyed home during the holidays is more impactful. Thankfully, the people I work with are more like family than coworkers. We take care of each other and do out best to enjoy the holidays while we do the work we love to do.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I’d like to be a woodshop teacher when I retire. Either that or sail away on a catamaran with my wife, we’ll see!
What is your favorite quote to live by?
I exist for we and we exist for them. - Unknown
Samuel Cregger | Firefighter
How long have you worked with the Bellevue Fire Department?
I am near the end of my third year with the department.
What is your experience like working through the holidays?
It’s complicated for me. My wife and I’s families are on the east coast, so I feel bad leaving my wife and son at home alone on a holiday. Thankfully, families are welcome, and it becomes a really fun and unique experience. Last year my son had his first Christmas at the station.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I used to be a singer-songwriter back in Virginia. I put out a couple of albums and had regular shows for almost a decade. I haven’t performed since 2018.
What is your favorite quote to live by?
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.