-
If you need help accessing the website or to obtain your
login information, email laura@wscff.org or call (360) 943-3030.
Reece Chambers IAFF 2032"Fire fighter down!” It’s the radio distress call no one wants to hear.
For 16 years, professional fire fighter Reece Chambers has been risking his life to save others, the past 14 with East Jefferson Fire Rescue, where he is currently a Lieutenant.
Recently Reece received a personal version of “Fire fighter down!” — he needed a heart transplant. Doctors said the non-stop work involved in fighting fires exacerbated previous health issues. The realization that the job he so loves is the cause of this grave condition was difficult to accept.
On Aug. 3, Reece received a new heart and is currently recovering. But the financial cost to his family, even after insurance, is staggering. His wife, Trina, and their four children have been making many trips from their Gig Harbor home to the UW Medical Center’s Cardiac Unit.
The National Police & Fire Foundation has established a secure donation site to help Reece and his family: www.LetsHelpReece.com. Unlike many other similar donation sites, 100 percent of any contributions to this site go directly to Reece’s family through his local union, IAFF Local 2032. This site will also provide updates on Reece’s condition.
This is an opportunity for the IAFF family and the general public to respond to this “Fire fighter down!” call. Reece has been unrelenting in serving the public, responding to house fires, car wrecks, technical rescue calls, water rescues, medical transport support and more at all hours of the day and night. Today he needs our help. Again, 100 percent of all donations made through www.LetsHelpReece.com go to Reece Chambers and his family. Let’s pay it forward! We don’t know who could be next?
The National Police & Fire Foundation was established to support America’s Everyday Heroes in times of need. Within 24 hours of being contacted regarding Reece’s situation, NPFF set up the donation website and stands ready to partner with other police and fire associations that need emergency help. NPFF is a certified federal non-profit organization, so any donations are tax deductible.
Member Deaths 
With deep regret, the WSCFF announces the line of duty death of IAFF Local 4459 member, Orting Valley Fire and Rescue Captain Art Vazquez, who died from suicide after struggling with PTSD. Captain Vazquez was a public servant for more than 25 years and he was a beloved member of our firefighting community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with our brothers and sisters in Local 4459.
Support and assistance over the past several difficult days in the search for Captain Vazquez are deeply appreciated. Orting firefighters will not be answering any questions at this time as they focus on supporting the Vazquez family. Media inquiries can be directed to Assistant Chief Steve Richards with Grahame Fire and Rescue at (253) 732-2121 or srichards@GrahamFire.org.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. on August 9, 2018 at Church of All Nations, 111 112th Street East, Tacoma, Wa 98445 (253) 538-1600 Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the family or to Local 4459 can be sent to IAFF Local 4459, PO Box 1481 Orting, Wa 98360-1481.
UPDATE:
With the service rapidly approaching we would like to share some additional information in regards to specific times and the procession.
The procession will leave Mountain View and arrive at the Church of All Nations at 1350. Uniform personnel should arrive by 1335 to receive Captain Vazquez and his family. We have had a lot of inquiries about departments wanting to participate in the procession. Unfortunately, due to limited parking at the church, the apparatus have already been selected for the procession. There will be a viewing starting at 1400 before the service starts. With the limited parking available, we are discouraging departments from bringing department apparatus to the service. The service will begin at 1500 and will be 90 minutes in duration. After the service, the procession will leave towards Mountain View at 1645 with a graveside service to follow scheduled to begin at 1715 with military honors. We look forward to seeing everyone who wants to come and pay their respect to Captain Art Vazquez.
August 9th, 2018 at 1500.
Church of All Nations, 111 112th Street East, Tacoma, WA 98445; phone 253-538-1600.
66th Annual Pacific Northwest Firefighters Golf Tournament 2018
Snohomish Golf Course
7805 147th Ave SE ~ Snohomish, WA 98290
Hosted by the Everett Fire Department ~
Proceeds to benefit the Burned Children Recovery Foundation
Entry Fee $150 for both days or $125 for the 15th only
Entry Deadline: August 8, 2018
36 & 18 Hole Tournament Formats ~ Prizes ~ Awards ~ Hospitality Room ~ Lunch both days
Host Hotel: Tulalip Resort and Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271
Tell them you are with the “PNWFF Golf Tournament” for your special rate of $149/night
Hospitality Suite/registration at Orca Suite 8/13
Hospitality/Drinks/Pizza, etc. in 3.000 square foot “High Roller Suite” on 8/14
Sign up on-line to pay by Credit/Debit card: http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-3710379/Golf-Registration-Form
Contact information-(Frank Ferrari Cell 1-206-334-5270)
Sounders FC wants to show appreciation for First Responders through a special ticket offer. Purchase a ticket (below) to the upcoming match against Colorado rapids and receive a limited-edition, Sounders FC First Responders Challenge Coin (pictured below).Matchday Details
MATCH: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 2018
KICKOFF: 1:00 p.m. PT
LOCATION: CenturyLink Field
Challenge Coin Pickup
A week prior to the match, you will receive an email containing the details for picking up your Challenge Coin.
All over the country—from our public schools to the food service industry—working people are taking collective action as we haven’t seen in years. The middle class is proof that the best way to get a raise, better benefits and a voice on the job is through a union contract. That’s why these corporate elites are doing all they can to break us up.
Share this graphic to let people know you are sticking with the union.
Here’s the thing: We have never depended on any politician or judge to decide our fate and we aren’t about to start now. Workers’ rights are constitutional and that hasn’t changed.
What has changed is the power of corporations to hurt workers. Greedy CEOs and special interests have used the Supreme Court to do the bidding of the corporations and their donors who want to weaken working people’s freedoms. Now people’s ability to negotiate together for safer workplaces, higher wages and better benefits is being threatened.
This case was never about the plaintiff, Mark Janus—it is the culmination of decades of corporate attacks on working people, motivated by greed instead of what’s best for workers. That’s why working people must stand together right now to support our freedom to organize for a level economic playing field.
We are stronger together—we know it and so do they.
Share this image on social media to show you’re sticking with the union.
The Nation posted an excellent article about the history of the "Right to Work" movment documenting the systematic approach by corporations and the wealthy to gut the Labor Movement - it is worth your time. Click the photo or the headline to read it.
For 60 Years, This Powerful Conservative Group Has Worked to Crush Labor
Now the Janus decision has helped push the National Right to Work Committee and its sister organizations closer to that goal.
Healthy-In, Healthy Out
After more than two years of dedicated work, the efforts to produce a best practices manual for reducing fire fighter risk of exposures to carcinogens has come to fruition. Healthy In, Healthy Out is now available for all fire fighters in Washington. To get copies for your members, call the WSCFF office at 360-943-3030.2nd version Healthy In Healthy Out flipbook here.
Copies are now available in Spanish or click for flipbook.
Watch the Healthy-In, Healthy Out VIDEO for more best practices protocols.
Our gratitude to Beth Gallup of Local 1747 for leading the effort and the team of dedicated members and professionals who worked diligently to help our members protect themselves: Bob Carroll, Local 452; Charles Cordova, Local 2898; Bob Dirham, Local 1296; Brian Dodge, Bates & Local 1747; Scott Ervin, Local 2024; Dan Griffey, Local 2394; J. Havner, Local 27; Bill Hoover, Local 2545 & Firefighters Cancer Support Network; Jenny Keizer, Kent Fire Department; Dean Shelton, Local 3219 & WSCFF 10th District Rep.; Brad Thompson, Valley Regional Fire Authority; Adam Villard, Local 3811.
Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor and Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects.
PausedAction Center 
Mesothelioma Prognosis Network
Link to the IAFF Financial Corp deferred comp administered by Nationwide Retirement.
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is to provide timely assistance to all fire service members and their families in the event of cancer diagnosis.
You are covered by the life insurance policy even if you do not return the card. “American Income Life Insurance Company is a 100% Union Insurance Company. We provide a group Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit for all members of your Local at no cost. The union will be sending a letter to all members and enclosed with the letter is a response card with which the members can designate their beneficiary intent. All members who return the card will be contacted by an American Income Life representative for delivery of their no cost benefits and members will have the option on a voluntary basis to purchase additional supplemental insurance benefits.” OR EMAIL www.ailife.com/benefits/sgjjg.
FIRE 20/20 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the effectiveness of diversity recruitment and retention.
Washington State Labor Council
 |
