WSCFF Retirees Association
Established by convention resolution in 2020, the WSCFF Retirees Association (RA) gives retired members a unified voice, the ability to engage with and provide input to the WSCFF, and opportunities to connect and network with each other and active members.
WSCFF Retirees Association members may:
- Vote on Retirees Association Matters
- Serve on Retirees Association Advisory Board
- Be involved in WSCFF meetings, seminars, and conventions
- Represent the Retirees Association at WSCFF events
- Maintain old friendships and develop new connections
To participate in the Retirees Association, you must be a dues paying WSCFF Active Retiree. Dues are $6.00 per month and can be paid by completing the DRS auto-deduct form, through your local or directly to the WSCFF office. Contact the office for more information.
For more detailed information, see the WSCFF Constitution and Bylaws, Convention Resolution 19-02, the Retirees Association Summary Statement, or contact the Retirees Association Board Members.
The WSCFF Retirees Association was formed by Convention Resolution 19-02 in 2019. Consisting of three LEOFF 1 retired members, three other WSCFF retirees, and co-chaired by Roy Orlando, Local 31 and WSCFF Vice President Dean Shelton, the Retirees Association exists to represent and unite our retired members.
Retirees Association Advisory Board
Curt Vandver
Curt Vandver
Curt Vandver joined the City of Puyallup Fire Department in 1970. During his time in Local 726, Curt was very active in all aspects of union leadership and completed his AA degree in Fire Command and Administration.
After more than 30 years of service, Curt retired in 2004 and has continued working for fire fighters. He chaired the Puyallup Disability Board since its formation and currently serves on their Fire Pension Board. He also serves on the board of directors for the Retired Fire Fighters of Washington and is currently the Westside V.P. of the Washington State LEOFF Education Association.
Curt was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020 and elected in 2022. He is a LEOFF Plan 1 retiree.
George Orr
George Orr
George Orr has been a member in good standing of Local 876, both active and retired, since June of 1970 – over 50 years of union service and fraternity. In that time George served honorably as a fire fighter, a fire investigator, and held several Local 876 leadership positions including Chairman of the Wage and Hour Committee, a member of the Spokane LEOFF Disability Board, Vice President and two separate terms as Local 876 President.
In addition to his union leadership, George has also been a member of the Washington State Gambling Commission and the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. In 1990 he was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives where he sponsored and supported several bills that became law that enhanced the position of Washington’s fire fighters and first responders.
George was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020 and elected in 2022. He is a LEOFF Plan 1 retiree.
Roy Orlando
Roy Orlando
Roy Orlando is member of Tacoma Firefighters IAFF Local 31 and served the Tacoma Fire Department for 39 years in various positions within the Operations and Training Divisions. He retired as a lieutenant. A life-long Tacoma resident, Orlando has been actively involved in monitoring pension legislation and union benefits both before and after his retirement. He regularly attends meetings of the Select Committee on Pension Policy and the LEOFF 2 Board in Olympia. He has also had the opportunity to monitor and participate in legislative matters affecting the LEOFF System, attend multiple presentations by the Department of Retirement Systems, the State Investment Board, and the Office of the State Actuary.
Orlando was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020 and elected in 2022. He is a LEOFF Plan 1 retiree.
Steve Hostetter
Steve Hostetter
Steve Hostetter, Local 2819 Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, retired as a Battalion Chief in May of 2017, though he considers himself a fire service brother for life. During Steve’s career, the Central Kitsap department grew from just 15 to 77 professional fire fighters. Since graduating from the University of Puget Sound with a business degree at age 21, Steve has had an interest in saving, investing, and retirement strategies and is passionate about sharing his wisdom with, in his words, “any poor soul I can corner.”
In retirement, Steve has remained active in his community, enjoys time with family, and continues to stay connected with his Fire Department brothers and sisters.
Steve was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020 and elected in 2022. He is a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree.
Patrick Hepler
Patrick Hepler
Patrick Hepler served the city of Edmonds as a fire fighter for over 30 years. He retired from the fire service in 2017 after serving for an additional eight years as a Battalion Chief for Snohomish County Fire District #1. Pat has held numerous leadership positions in Local 1828, including 15 years as President. He has served on countless committees for the City of Edmonds, the WSCFF, the IAFF, and he was appointed by the Governor as a Trustee to the LEOFF Plan 2 Retirement Board.
Both before and after retirement Pat has been heavily involved in local and state elections, always working for candidates and initiatives that benefit fire fighters and their families. He received the WSCFF Ricky J. Walsh Fully Involved Award in June, 2017.
Pat was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020. He is a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree.
Mike Cooper
Mike Cooper
Mike Cooper served as a Lieutenant in the Shoreline Fire Department for 26 years before retiring in 2006. He was active in Local 1760, serving on the executive board for 20 years and holding the position of President for 15.
Cooper served four terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, where he worked to improve the lives of his constituents and fought for legislation that benefited fire fighters and their families. He also served on the Snohomish County Council as Mayor of the City of Edmonds. In retirement, Mike has continued to be active in his community serving on the Elma City Council and as Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party Labor Caucus.
In 2010, Mike Cooper received the WSCFF Walt Lambert Trade Union Leadership Award.
Mike was elected to the WSCFF Retirees Association Board in June, 2023.
2023 RA Elections
Congratulations to Mike Cooper on being elected as the newest board member on the WSCFF Retirees Association Advisory Board. Mike brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as a board member, serving as a local affiliate leader, a state elected representative, and as a true trade unionist. The WSCFF RA is excited about the contributions he will make to the association.
Association News
Be a WSCFF Member for Life through the WSCFF Retirees Association
Department of Retirement Systems Auto-Deduct Retiree Dues Form (please send in directly to the WSCFF office or email)
Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety Officers (HELPS) The IAFF won an unprecedented congressional victory with the passage of the HELPS act. Under it, retirees can receive a tax-free distribution of up to $3,000 from retirement plans to help pay for health insurance or long-term care insurance premiums. Please see the IAFF website for details.
