News

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

Scott Powers, president of Local F-283 Lewis-McChord, was selected in June to serve as the Federal & Industrial Liaison to the WSCFF Executive Board. Scott is replacing Casey Yeager, who was elected WSCFF 4th District Representative at the WSCFF 86th Annual Convention.  Scott is a fifth-generation fire fighter who began …

Casey Yeager, LI-66 Boeing Firefighters, was elected as the WSCFF 4th District Representative at the WSCFF 86th Annual Convention in June. Casey began as a volunteer fire fighter in Grays Harbor in 2001 and was hired as a career fire fighter in 2013. In 2016, he joined Boeing and has since served in …

Robbie Hyslop was elected as WSCFF Trustee at the 86th Annual Convention in June. He was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Washington State University in 2007. His introduction to the fire service came through a close friend and that friend’s older brother, a firefighter in Yakima. …

This is your chance to design the shirt that will be worn by thousands of fire fighters across the country in 2026. As they Fill the Boot for MDA in support of families living with neuromuscular diseases, they’ll be wearing your design. Make it bold, meaningful, and full of fire …

This June, 248 delegates and 24 alternates representing 67 WSCFF locals from across Washington State convened in Marysville for the WSCFF 86th Annual Convention. Over the course of the week, members set the organization’s course for the coming year, electing leadership, debating and passing resolutions, setting policy priorities, and honoring those who …

Chad Blashill, WSCFF 10th District Representative Greetings from the windy yet warm southeastern part of the state: the WSCFF 10th District. We’ve had an incredibly busy start to 2025. We’ve experienced wins and losses, ups and downs, but we’ve continued the fight no matter what.  Thanks to …

Jeff Wainwright, WSCFF 9th District Representative We are growing in the 9th District. Spokane County District 10 (formerly with Local 2916) and the members of the Airway Heights Fire Department have been organized under a new local. The West Plains Professional Firefighters Local 5440 now represents 23 members across the two employers. IAFF 7th …

Dean Shelton, WSCFF Vice President, WSCFF 8th District Representative Report from the “Mighty” 8th The WSCFF 8th District has been extremely busy over the past several months. Members and leadership have attended committed and sacrificed their own personal time for the betterment of not only their locals but also their …

Craig Becker, WSCFF 7th District Representative Report from the “Mini” 7th, Members and leadership in the WSCFF 7th District continue to be actively involved in various events, including state and national conferences such as the IAFF-WSCFF Jointly Sponsored Educational Seminar, the IAFF Political Training Academy, and the Legislative Conferences held …

Tim Hoover, WSCFF 6th District Representative The WSCFF 6th District convenes as a leadership group with local presidents at least once per quarter to discuss current issues and explore ways we can assist one another. One issue currently being worked on is the impact of hospital wait times in the …

Tom Fields, WSCFF 5th District Representative It’s been a relatively quiet yet extremely busy spring for the 5th District. We have several Locals working hard on bargaining, as multiple negotiations have been underway for some time. Seattle Chiefs, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond are all engaged in bargaining, with …

Reed Astley, 4th District Representative Spring is always a busy time for the State Council, and this year is no different. We have just finished our Educational Seminar and New Members Conference in Kennewick, and now we’re preparing for the Convention in Marysville. And of course, our representatives are …

Bryan Copeland, 3rd District Representative “I don’t know how you do it all.” It’s likely a phrase familiar to most local leaders—perhaps you’ve uttered it yourself. It could be that the “how” is what’s holding you back from becoming more involved in your …

Chris Ross, WSCFF 2nd District Representative We’re here at the half-way point of the year, and it’s been a busy 2025 here in the 2nd District. We have new leadership in a number of locals, with 2 new local presidents.  Along with that, we have been experiencing the same …