News

WSCFF Firefighter Saves Neighbor from Early Morning House Fire

An off-duty WSCFF member ran to a burning home at 4 a.m. on February 26 and brought his elderly neighbor out alive. The WSCFF is proud to share the story of Local 1747 Puget Sound Firefighters member Derek Konzelman, a firefighter of five years and an engineer on Rescue 7. “You never know when...

National Labor Relations Board

Scott Powers, WSCFF Federal & Industrial Locals Liaison to the WSCFF Executive Board On July 5, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) into law, commonly referred to as the Wagner Act. Among other protections, the NLRA provides private sector employees the right “to form, join, or assist labor...

Membership Spotlight: Jason Gwilt

Jason Gwilt, Local 2781, Snohomish County, has led an inspiring career making an impact, whether seated on his motorcycle as a leader with the IAFF Motorcycle Group or advocating as a union leader. “Both of them have intersected over the years and both I am equally proud of.” Born and raised in Sultan, Washington,...

Membership Spotlight: Nick Schmitt

Who has the courage to shake up their path in life, and choose an entirely different career? After 15 years in tech, Nick Schmitt from L1762 Eastside Fire & Rescue didn’t just change his career –  he jumped into the fire service, and he’s been all in ever since. Nick is an inspiring advocate...

Michelle Pidduck: My Cancer Journey

What does a survivor mean? My name is Michelle Pidduck and even though I’m from California, Washington State has been my home for the last 26+ years. I have been with the Shoreline Fire Department for the last 22 years. My current position is Public Information and Education Officer. However, I am still a...

Membership Spotlight: Keven Rojecki

The rights and benefits firefighters rely on today exist because those who came before them stood up for what was right. For Keven Rojecki of Local 1747 Puget Sound Firefighters, that same conviction has guided a lifelong career dedicated to service, advocacy, and leadership in the fire community. Keven’s engagement began early: while still...

Answering The Worst Call

Trigger Warning: This article discusses a child’s accidental death and the emotional toll of responding to traumatic calls. Reader discretion is advised. “If we don’t tell, we don’t learn, we don’t know.” In the fire service, it’s never a question of if you’ll face a tough call, but when. On July 13, 2022, L468...

Honoring Heritage, Celebrating Service: Phoenix Ceja

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) is an especially important time to honor the culture, work, and community our Hispanic and Latino members bring to the fire service. We’re proud to spotlight Phoenix Ceja, a Firefighter Paramedic with IAFF Local 2444 East Clark Professional Firefighters in Camas-Washougal. In his three years in the fire...

Membership Spotlight: Rob Duhamel

The rights, protections, and benefits firefighters and union members count on today don’t just happen. They aren’t gifted to union members. They exist because people like Rob Duhamel dedicate their time to advocating for improvements in the firefighting profession. “Brother Duhamel has previously served on the Local 1488 West Pierce Fire Fighters Executive Board...

Membership Spotlight: Kelsey Benson

We’re thrilled to introduce you to a WSCFF member who is remarkable in many ways and, importantly, demonstrates her strength through empowering others. Kelsey Benson of L2903 Lacey Fire Fighters shows up for her crew, her community, and the next generation. She revived the Capital Metro Girls Fire Camp, a two-day local camp for...