Inspiring WSCFF members take action, drive real change and keep things moving! Making a difference on the job, in their community and through union involvement. Kevin Hart is a dedicated member of L452 Vancouver whose years of service (over 27 years and counting!) and commitment make him a valued part of our union.
Says Ryan Reese, first District Representative about Kevin, “During my time working with Kevin, I have consistently been impressed by his unwavering dedication, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to advancing the interests of fire fighters and first responders in our state. His passion for the safety and well-being of our firefighting community is evident in all his endeavors.”
Get to know Kevin, and learn more about his journey, in our latest Member Spotlight:
Kevin grew up in Vancouver, Washington, and began his fire service career in 1998 when he joined Clark County Fire District 3, then represented by IAFF Local 1805 (now Local 3674). In 2004, he was fortunate to join the Vancouver Fire Department, proudly represented by IAFF Local 452. With his father serving as a Captain in the department, Kevin was introduced early to the fire service. What drew him in was the strong sense of camaraderie, the teamwork he saw growing up, and the opportunity to serve his community.
How did your union involvement begin?
My journey into union involvement began during my probationary year. I jumped into a committee within Clark County Fire District 3 that was working to elect more labor-friendly, forward-thinking fire commissioners. It was immediately clear that if we wanted more career staffing and progress, we had to engage in politics. I’ve been active ever since, serving as a general member, shop steward, secretary, and now political director. But the most defining moment was when I experienced an on-the-job injury. That event lit a fire in me to learn everything I could about Washington State’s L&I’s workers’ compensation. It became a focus that has shaped much of my career.
What was your first WSCFF event, and why did you attend?
My first WSCFF event was the Legislative Conference. A senior member of my Local encouraged me to go, and it was nothing short of transformational. At the time, a WSCFF Executive Board member had been terminated for union activism by his employer. What I witnessed – the solidarity, unity, a room full of firefighters rallying behind one of our own – was unforgettable. A box was passed around the room to help fund his legal battle and supplement his income. That was the moment I knew I had found my place and my people.
What does being part of your union (WSCFF and your Local) mean to you?
It means everything. The IAFF and WSCFF have supported me for as long as I can remember, literally since birth. This union has given me the gift of job security, a dignified career, and a retirement that I can depend on through the LEOFF 2 system, which is vigilantly protected by the WSCFF team.
Has your union membership made difference in your career or your life? How?
Absolutely. It has shaped my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Beyond the tangible benefits of collective bargaining, it’s gifted me lifelong relationships that I cherish deeply. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by some of the best: Mark Johnston, Bill Garlington, Bob Smith, Mike Phillips, Judson McCauley, Ryan Reese, AJ Johnson, Bud Sizemore, Mike White, Denise McKay (LNI Ombuds, Ret.), and Doug Palmer (workers’ comp attorney). These mentors taught me how to advocate with integrity. And through the IAFF and WSCFF training, I gained the confidence and skills that helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What’s a proud moment from your fire service career?
There are a lot of moments that I’m proud of, but standing up for injured and ill fire fighters has been the most meaningful work of my career. I’ve served on multiple Washington State L&I committees, helping reform how self-insured employers are audited and how complaints are investigated. But the most profound achievement was leading the effort that convinced the City of Vancouver to move from being self-insured for workers’ comp injuries to the State Fund system. It took years of learning L&I law, building relationships, and working behind the scenes. In the end, the city council voted unanimously in favor… a historic and hard-fought win. It’s believed to be the largest public employer in the state to make such a move, and it wouldn’t have happened without the support of President Ryan Reese (WSCFF District 1 Representative) and the membership of Local 452.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I spend as much time as I can with my wife Jennifer, my rock, my advocate, and biggest supporter through it all. I’m so thankful she shares her life with me. I also enjoy upland bird hunting, fishing, woodworking, and geeking out on all things L&I workers’ comp.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m far more introverted than I try to let on. It has taken some personal work to step into uncomfortable spaces and learn how to introduce myself when it matters most.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved in their union?
Show up. Attend meetings in person and be fully present. You’ll build genuine relationships that extend beyond the firehouse. Ask your stewards questions, learn about your CBA history, and offer to help. As Bill Garlington once said, if every member gave just two hours of their time each year, the direction of the Local would shift in meaningful and powerful ways.
What motivates you?
Helping others. That’s why I chose the fire service, and it’s what fuels my union work every day.
Anything else to share?
The majority of union work has either revolved around politics or representing injured/ill firefighters. I’m incredibly grateful to AJ Johnson and Bud Sizemore for their work in passing the 2023–24 legislation (HB-1521) that created the good-faith and fair-dealing law for public sector employees of self-insured employers for injured workers’ compensation. I was honored to help support them in whatever they needed. Then, watching it expand in 2025 to cover private sector employers, thanks again to AJ and Nich Gullickson. Whether it’s a UPS driver dropping off a package, a firefighter, or a warehouse worker just trying to get through the day, they’re now protected. And that’s because of the tireless advocacy of the WSCFF team. Seeing the work as a WSCFF Session Lobbyist (intern) was the cherry on top of my union involvement.
What message do you have for fellow members?
Attend a WSCFF or IAFF event within your first five years of employment. It will change your perspective. If you haven’t gone yet, ask your executive board to help you attend. Commit yourself to leaving your department and your union better than you found them because someday, one of your kids might benefit from the work you do today.
And for fire fighters who haven’t tapped into their union yet?
Jump in. Your Local has a place for you. I promise.
Members like Kevin turn our collective strength into real progress, showing that the union’s power comes from the dedication of its people. His story reminds us that when members unite and commit, meaningful change and benefits follow.