News

WSCFF Retirees Association Advisory Board Member Steve Hostetter reflects on planning for retirement. As a recent retiree, I often have conversations with fire service friends about retirement. The discussion is usually about the financial considerations and benefit choices like survivor options and purchasing service credits. Recently I’ve been making …

The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters is pleased to announce our endorsement of April Sims for president, and Cherika Carter for secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Both Sims and Carter have proven records representing and advocating for Washington workers. Sims and Carter’s “Labor Future is …

WSCFF Secretary-Treasurer Greg Markley is pleased to announce a refreshed brand identity for the Northwest Fire Fighters Benefits Trust. The new name and logo are indicative of the evolution of the Trust since its inception in 2013.  Markley says, “while this is a significant change, and we remain ever proud of …

WSCFF backed pension benefit enhancement for LEOFF 1 members signed into law

On Thursday, March 24, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1701, providing a significant pension benefit for members of Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters LEOFF Plan 2, and making WSCFF history. Years of lobbying and relationship building resulted in the unanimous passage of this pension reform legislation. “This has …

Pension reforms to LEOFF Plan 2 and LEOFF 1 unanimously passed.

The WSCFF has been fully engaged on the recent proclamation by Governor Inslee mandating COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare workers including those of us in the fire, paramedic, and emergency medical services.

Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content. Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Lost your password?

When the WSCFF Legislative Team asked Joe Kendo to speak at the 82nd Annual Convention, he had no idea that the real reason for the invitation was to recognize and honor him as the 2021 recipient of the Walt Lambert Trade Union Leadership Award. Kendo, Government Affairs Director for the Washington …

The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters held its 82nd Annual Convention, in person, at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac, hosted by IAFF Local 1747 Kent. Two hundred and forty-three delegates and 37 alternates, representing nearly 8,500 WSCFF members, met to elect officers, discuss, debate, and vote on resolutions, and set the direction …

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz received the Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter Award from the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters at its 82nd Annual Convention in June. Franz has been a strong advocate for fire fighters in Washington. “In the wake of increased and record-breaking wildfires, she has …

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5175  creating a new system for safer workplace practices in the fire service and a workers’ compensation premium discount for employers. The legislation pertains only to state-insured workers’ compensation employers who file injury claims to the Washington State Department of Labor & …

Curt Vandver was appointed to the WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020. He is a LEOFF Plan 1 retiree. He joined the city of Puyallup Fire Department in 1970. During his time in Local 726, Curt was active in all aspects of union leadership. Curt got his start out in the public very …

WSCFF 2nd District Representative Jeff Wainwright gets COVID-19 vaccine from Spokane area local members as community comes together to deliver vaccinations.

Bruce Baurichter was appointed to the initial WSCFF Retirees Association Board in March 2020, as a LEOFF Plan 2 retiree.   Starting at a young age, Bruce showed an undeniable work ethic, learning whatever he could from his employers, and has been the beneficiary of many great mentors. His first job as a …

Sorry, but you do not have permission to view this content. Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Lost your password?

Wildland Fire and Mobilization Committee Chair Jeff Wainwright reports on the recently concluded 2020 Wildland Fire Season — one of the worst in Washington history.

Pat Ellis has provided invaluable service to many WSCFF members and their families. He is a career public safety chaplain, president of the Washington State Fallen Fire Fighter Foundation, and an Honorary Fire Fighter.

Citing a long and productive working relationship between Governor Jay Inslee and the WSCFF, President Dennis Lawson announced that delegates to the WSCFF convention overwhelmingly voted to endorse Governor Jay Inslee for re-election.  “We support those who support our issues”, says Lawson. Inslee has been a friend to fire fighters, …

The first ever virtual WSCFF convention looked a little different, but the results were the same. Democracy in action! Delegates gathered, discussed and adopted resolutions, elected officers, approved a budget, and set the course for 2020/2021 operations.

Matt Lowery, Local 3520 East Pierce, named IAFF Strategic Campaign Specialist to help local leaders combat the effects of a COVID-19 damaged economy.