Bryan Copeland, 3rd District Representative
“I don’t know how you do it all.” It’s likely a phrase familiar to most local leaders—perhaps you’ve uttered it yourself. It could be that the “how” is what’s holding you back from becoming more involved in your union.
It’s natural for people to fixate on how we’re going to accomplish the ever-expanding list of tasks before us. We wonder: Am I ready for this? Am I experienced enough? Strong enough? Skilled enough? We question our capacity before we even take the first step. Focusing on how can leave us paralyzed by fear and doubt.
These forces, the fear of judgment and fear of failure, are not defeated by having all the answers; they’re conquered by holding tight to a clear purpose, our why.
The WSCFF 3rd District is the living embodiment of this. We are home to the WSCFF’s largest local, as well as locals as small as eight members. From hundreds of fire fighters to just a handful, the challenges, the dynamics, and resources are wide-ranging. The how changes, but our why—standing up for every firefighter’s dignity, safety, and rights—never does.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to have a flawless plan. You must simply remember why you’re here and let that reason carry you through the process, one step at a time.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. captured this perfectly when he said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Union leadership is exactly that kind of journey. Some days you fly; some days you crawl. But if you are driven by your why, if your heart is anchored in something bigger than yourself, and you remember that, as part of a union you’re never alone on this journey, the how will take care of itself. You will always find a way to keep moving forward.
When you are deeply connected to your why, it doesn’t just give you the strength to move; it gives you the clarity to build your how. Purpose fuels creativity. It sharpens your decisions. It helps you lead with confidence instead of hesitation. Your why becomes the foundation upon which your how is built—stronger, steadier, and more resilient with every step.
In the end, union leadership isn’t about doing it all perfectly or having all the answers. It’s about showing up every day, fueled by purpose, leading with heart, and moving forward no matter what.
It’s been a busy and productive stretch in the 3rd District. First off, I want to recognize the incredible work our locals have done at the bargaining table. Over the past year, several of our locals ratified strong contracts that brought meaningful gains to our members—proof that preparation, persistence, and solidarity still pay off.
We’ve also seen a wave of leadership changes across the District. To all the newly elected officers: congratulations, and thank you for stepping up. Your service is critical, and I look forward to working alongside you.
One of the biggest wins this year came from Local 726 Pierce County, where members successfully ran annexation measures in both Graham and Orting Valley. The vote to bring those agencies into Central Pierce Fire & Rescue passed with an overwhelming 86% approval. That kind of community support doesn’t happen by accident, it’s earned through trust, outreach, and the professionalism our members bring to the job every day. Great work, Local 726.
Of course, there have also been some challenges this year. Our members at F-283 (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) continue to stand strong in the face of ongoing federal budget cuts and renewed threats to their collective bargaining rights. Their fight is our fight, and we must remain ready to push back against any attempts to weaken their voice. We’ll continue to stand with them and advocate for the fair treatment they’ve more than earned.
Looking ahead, we’ll be organizing a 3rd District Mini-Educational Conference in the coming year. This will be a great opportunity for training, connection, and collaboration among locals—more details to come, but I encourage everyone to participate and help make it a success.
As always, I’m proud to represent the 3rd District and to stand alongside such a dedicated group of union fire fighters. Don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, concerns, or just to stay in touch.
Locals: 0726, 1488, 2394, 3152, 3390, 3520, 3829, 3876
Legislative Districts: 2, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 35
Congressional Districts: 6, 8, 10