News

WSCFF members somehow started a band amid the busyness of life. They didn’t expect how much they’d need it and the behavioral health benefits that they get from it. In Cameo is an acoustic rock band made up of three members of L468 Olympia. It’s become more …

Craig Becker, WSCFF 7th District Representative Members of the “Mini 7th” have been actively involved in a variety of initiatives throughout 2026. The membership actively participated in the WSCFF Kelly L. Fox Legislative Conference in Olympia, meeting with our representatives to address our key issues, including presumptive heart disease and longer …

Tim Hoover, WSCFF 6th District Representative District leadership meets quarterly to address issues affecting our members and the communities we serve. One of the most pressing challenges facing the 6th District is prolonged hospital wait times. Across our region, emergency units face hours-long delays in transferring patients to hospital staff. …

Tom Fields, WSCFF 5th District Representative The 5th District remains busy. Most of our locals are prepping for the start of negotiations or are deep in the middle of them. Several are also engaged in mediation. We have seen the arrival of several new principal officers among the various executive …

Casey Yeager, WSCFF 4th District Representative Congratulations to Greg Markley, Local 1747 Puget Sound Fire, and longtime secretary-treasurer for the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. Brother Markley received the inaugural Vincent J. Bollon Award for his dedication to strengthening union leadership and delivering value to IAFF members. Brother Markley has …

Bryan Copeland, WSCFF 3rd District Representative Across the WSCFF 3rd District, the past year has been defined by steady progress and investment in our people. We have continued our commitment to the communities we serve. From leadership development to operational advancements, our locals demonstrate pride in the profession and a …

Ryan Reese, WSCFF 1st District Representative It is truly an honor to serve as your WSCFF 1st District Representative. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work on behalf of the members and families who make up this district. The trust you place in this role is not …

Behavioral health affects every corner of the fire service, but too many members still feel pressure to keep their struggles to themselves. Read Jason King’s journey in his own words: Local 29 Spokane firefighter, Army veteran and WSCFF Behavioral Health Committee member. We thank Jason for sharing his perspective and …

Jamie Monroe is a memorable WSCFF member – he shows up for people, listens closely, and cares deeply about the union and the members behind it. He’s an inspiring example of the next wave of members carrying union values forward, and we’re proud to share his story. Born and …

Women firefighters strengthen the fire service. Across Washington, women in the WSCFF are making an impact on the line, in leadership, and in their communities. The WSCFF celebrates all women in the fire service, and we’re proud to highlight three inspiring women WSCFF firefighters and their stories for Women’…

On behalf of Local 1828 South County Firefighters, the WSCFF shares this request for your support for two of our members and their families. On March 19th, two of Local 1828’s firefighters were changed forever: A vehicle accident left a 3-year-old girl, daughter of one of our members and granddaughter of …

An off-duty WSCFF member ran to a burning home at 4 a.m. on February 26 and brought his elderly neighbor out alive. The WSCFF is proud to share the story of Local 1747 Puget Sound Firefighters member Derek Konzelman, a firefighter of five years and an engineer on Rescue 7. “You never know …

Scott Powers, WSCFF Federal & Industrial Locals Liaison to the WSCFF Executive Board On July 5, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) into law, commonly referred to as the Wagner Act. Among other protections, the NLRA provides private sector employees the right “to form, join, or …

During the evening of Friday, February 13, the Washington State House of Representatives passed HB 2034 on a 55–39 vote. The legislation authorizes the transfer of approximately $2.5 billion from the LEOFF 1 fund, reducing its funded status from roughly 160% to approximately 110%. Because of the magnitude of this action, it is important to provide context …

Jason Gwilt, Local 2781, Snohomish County, has led an inspiring career making an impact, whether seated on his motorcycle as a leader with the IAFF Motorcycle Group or advocating as a union leader. “Both of them have intersected over the years and both I am equally proud of.” Born and raised …

Who has the courage to shake up their path in life, and choose an entirely different career? After 15 years in tech, Nick Schmitt from L1762 Eastside Fire & Rescue didn’t just change his career –  he jumped into the fire service, and he’s been all in ever since. Nick …

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 …