WSCFF locals sent 224 delegates and 30 alternates to Vancouver, Washington, in June to set the direction for the organization for the coming year, elect officers and district representatives, present, discuss and vote on resolutions, and recognize and award some who’ve given outstanding service to the organization.
WSCFF President Dennis Lawson, L726 Pierce County, was re-elected to a two-year term, and Vice President Dean Shelton, L3219 Marysville, was re-elected to a one-year term. Others re-elected to two-year terms included 1st District Representative Ryan Reese, L452 Vancouver; 5th District Representative Tom Fields, L1604 Bellevue; 7th District Representative Craig Becker L2819, Kitsap County; and 9th District Representative Jeff Wainwright, L3711 Spokane 8. Trustee John Gallup was re-elected to a three-year term. Bryan Copeland, L1488 West Pierce, was elected 3rd District Representative for a two-year term. He replaces Mike Westland, L3520 East Pierce, who was promoted to Assistant Chief and decided to step back to focus on his new position.
Thirty-four resolutions were considered, and 31 passed. These resolutions covered Congressional and Statewide election endorsements, 2025 Legislative priorities, expanding the EMS and Behavioral Health Committees, establishing a WSCFF Bill Hoover Cancer Foundation, expanding membership options for the Retirees Association, recognizing outstanding service from WSCFF members and staff, and much more. Find a complete list of resolutions here.
Delegates and guests gathered on Wednesday night for the annual awards banquet. Representative Monica Stonier, 49th LD, was named 2024 Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter. Matt Ricks, L404 Walla Walla, received the Ricky J. Walsh Fully Involved Award. President Dennis Lawson received the Walt Lambert Trade Union Leadership Award. Mike Westland was recognized for eight years of service as WSCFF District Representative. WSCFF staff member Debbie Guillot, who retires at the end of August after 28 years with the Council, was recognized for her outstanding service and contributions.
The Burn Foundation met and re-elected 1st District Trustee Dave Lamb, 3rd District Trustee Brent Jenkins, 5th District Trustee Brian Duthie, 7th District Trustee Caton White, 9th District Trustee Brandon Ricci, and President Matt Ricks.
At the meeting of the IAFF MERP, Patience Taylor, L3520 West Pierce, was elected to fill Seat #5, vacated by Mike Westland, L3520. Brad Ridgeway, L2409 Tumwater and Chris Volk, L1892 Pullman were re-elected to Seats #2 and 5 respectively for the IAFF Health& Wellness Trust.
Convention was not all business. A motorcycle ride, a mountain bike ride and a charity golf invitational preceded the convention on Monday. Tuesday included an educational and a social event for spouses, and a family fun night of bowling for all.
IAFF Local 3219, Marysville will host the 2025 convention at the Tulalip Casino in Marysville, June 24-26. WSCFF conventions are democracy in action. If you want more information about how to get involved, talk to your local leaders or your WSCFF District Representative.