Therese Murphy, Author at Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

Fire Fighters, Kendo, and the kitchen table

When the WSCFF Legislative Team asked Joe Kendo to speak at the 82nd Annual Convention, he had no idea that the real reason for the invitation was to recognize and honor him as the 2021 recipient of the Walt Lambert Trade Union Leadership Award. Kendo, Government Affairs Director for the Washington State Labor Council,...

2021 WSCFF Convention Highlights

The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters held its 82nd Annual Convention, in person, at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac, hosted by IAFF Local 1747 Kent. Two hundred and forty-three delegates and 37 alternates, representing nearly 8,500 WSCFF members, met to elect officers, discuss, debate, and vote on resolutions, and set the direction for...

Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz, receives Honorary Fire Fighter Award

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz received the Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter Award from the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters at its 82nd Annual Convention in June. Franz has been a strong advocate for fire fighters in Washington. “In the wake of increased and record-breaking wildfires, she has worked tirelessly to provide...

Firefighter Injury and Illness Reduction Pilot Program Will Launch in May

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5175 creating a new system for safer workplace practices in the fire service and a workers’ compensation premium discount for employers. The legislation pertains only to state-insured workers’ compensation employers who file injury claims to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Much...

Meet Retirees Association Board Member Curt Vandver

Curt Vandver was appointed to the WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020. He is a LEOFF Plan 1 retiree. He joined the city of Puyallup Fire Department in 1970. During his time in Local 726, Curt was active in all aspects of union leadership. Curt got his start out in the public very...

Spokane area IAFF locals on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19

WSCFF 2nd District Representative Jeff Wainwright gets COVID-19 vaccine from Spokane area local members as community comes together to deliver vaccinations.

Meet WSCFF Retirees Association Bruce Baurichter

Bruce Baurichter was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020, as a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree. Starting at a young age, Bruce showed an undeniable work ethic, learning whatever he could from his employers, and has been the beneficiary of many great mentors. His first job as a middle schooler was a big one, maintaining five acres of an estate owned by the superintendent of...