SEATTLE — It was a somber day for Seattle firefighters as they said goodbye to one of their own who was dedicated to his job.
Firefighter Matt Runte passed away unexpectedly in December while on a run before his shift.
On Saturday, a procession made its way down Mercer Street towards McCaw Hall as many paid their respects to Runte, a 19-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department.
“The city is going to feel it, ‘cause Matt was one of those guys that you wanted coming to your bedside, wanted coming to your house fire, you wanted just showing up,” said Chief Harold Scoggins.
For most of Runte’s career, he worked at Fire State 25 on Capitol Hill, which is one of the department’s busiest fire stations.
In 2015, he was named firefighter of the year.
Runte was a man with an infectious smile, and Scoggins described the Army veteran as someone who lived to serve and uplift others.
“He was always making us a little bit better, whether it was events like this or other events. For me personally, he was always making sure I was right. That was important. It didn’t matter what uniform I was in, he would always come over and give me a check,” Scoggins said.
In a video, Runte’s dedication to his family and community can be heard: “I would like to thank my wife for always being there. I would like to thank my daughter for being my biggest cheerleader.”
Runte was also the commander of the department’s Honor Guard. In 2015, he talked about what it meant to him.
“I’m proud to be a part of Seattle fire’s honor guard because we provide a service to the family of those who have gone before us.”
On Saturday, the men and women he served alongside for many years came together to make sure he was recognized with dignity, and his family received an outpouring of love and support.
Although he is gone, his memory will not be forgotten.
Runte, 44, leaves behind a wife and daughter.