— Advertisement —

Kitsap volunteer firefighter killed while biking near Poulsbo

Screenshot from a KOMO News report.

Longtime Kitsap County volunteer firefighter, Seattle-to-Portland bike ride medic, father, grandfather and husband Joe Vlach died July 2 while biking near Poulsbo. He was 77.

Our condolences to his friends and family.

Vlach was on a training ride to get ready for STP when he reportedly collided with someone driving while making a left turn from the southbound SR 3 offramp to eastbound SR 308. The collision is still under investigation.


— Advertisement —

KOMO produced a good report about Vlach and all the ways he had an impact on his community:

Nicknamed ‘Nice Guy Joe’, Vlach also served in the Gulf War as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

‘He always wanted to help somebody,” said Vlach’s wife Cherie.

Vlach was training for a Seattle to Portland bike ride when he was hit Sunday. He later died at Harborview Medical Center.

The Kitsap Fire Department released this statement, posted by Q13 News:

We are saddened to say that Lt. Joe Vlach a longtime volunteer of 33 years has passed away as the result of a bicycle accident yesterday. We are all in a state of disbelief that we have lost this man, a great member of the department, grandfather, dad and loving husband. He was a loved member of the community and a careless giver of his time to others, he has touched many members of the community and will be missed.

Here’s the interchange where the collision occurred. Most media reports include a statement from Washington State Patrol blaming Vlach for not stopping at the stop sign, which is unusual since the collision is still under investigation.

Vlach was reportedly make a left from the southbound SR 3 ramp to eastbound SR 308. Image from Google Maps.

About the author:


Related posts:

— Advertisement —

Bike Events Calendar

Sep
28
Thu
7:15 pm Point83 @ Westlake Park
Point83 @ Westlake Park
Sep 28 @ 7:15 pm
Point83 @ Westlake Park
Meet up in the center of the park at 7ish. Leave at 730. Every Thursday from now until forever rain or shine. Bikes, beers, illegal firepits, nachos, bottlerockets, timetraveling, lollygagging, mechanicals, good times.ShareMastodonTwitterFacebookRedditEmail
Sep
30
Sat
all-day Reach the Beach Washington Cycle… @ Lacey, Washington
Reach the Beach Washington Cycle… @ Lacey, Washington
Sep 30 all-day
Reach the Beach Washington welcomes riders from across the PNW on September 30, 2023 to enjoy a fast and flat century ride starting in Lacey, WA and ending with a celebration on the beach in … Read more
10:00 am Beacon Hill Safe Streets Family … @ Beacon Hill Library
Beacon Hill Safe Streets Family … @ Beacon Hill Library
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am
Beacon Hill Safe Streets Family Bike Parade @ Beacon Hill Library | Seattle | Washington | United States
Join us for a family bike Parade from the Beacon Hill Library to Jefferson Park playground! There will be bike decorating, snacks, drinks, and more. We’ll be hosting a slow, family paced bike ride starting … Read more
10:00 am Family Bike Parade with Beacon H…
Family Bike Parade with Beacon H…
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Beacon Hill Safe Streets Family Bike Parade!Sept 30th, 10:00 amJoin us for a family bike parade from the Beacon Hill Library to Jefferson Park Playground. There will be bike decorating, snacks, drinks, and more.Start at … Read more
Oct
3
Tue
6:30 pm West Seattle Bike Connections mo… @ Online
West Seattle Bike Connections mo… @ Online
Oct 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
 ShareMastodonTwitterFacebookRedditEmail
— Advertisements —

Latest on Mastodon

Loading Mastodon feed…

Latest on YouTube