Labor Management Panel

Bryan Copeland has been a member of IAFF Local 1488 West Pierce since 2008, President since 2018, E-Board member for 14 years. Prior to West Pierce, he served as Secretary for IAFF Local 315 Hoquiam for four years.

Michael Boltz, Deputy Chief of Operations, West Pierce Fire & Rescue has worked for the department for 26 years, serving in suppression as a Paramedic, Rescue Technician, Academy Instructor, and Captain before being promoted to AC of Operations in 2018. He has received his Master’s Degree in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Matt VonSteuben was hired full-time with Spokane Fire 9 in 2006 and was elected to an open executive board position in 2007.  He has served on the executive board with L-2916 for all but a couple of years since 2007.  He has either served as a lead negotiator or on the negotiation team in...

Jim Walkowski, Chief, Spokane Co. FD 9 & 10, began in the fire service in 1985.  His career progressed through the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Chief Fire Officer.  Jim is currently the Fire Chief at Spokane County Fire District # 9.  He serves on numerous teams and committees representing the Washington Fire Chiefs...

Erin Johnson was hired by Olympia Fire in 2018.  She was elected and serves as president of L468, Olympia.  She is a graduate of the IAFF 7h District Executive Leadership Series, Class II.  She served as WSCFF Session Lobbyist in 2022. Erin co-chairs the WSCFF Behavioral Health Committee and is the lead support coordinator...

Chief Morris started his 33-year fire service career as a reserve firefighter/EMT in 1990, serving the City of Boulder City, Nevada.  Morris then became a firefighter/paramedic in the City of Henderson, Nevada, where he spent 22 years rising through the ranks – from firefighter to battalion chief to deputy chief – before his eventual...