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 taken lightly, and I remain committed to representing you with purpose and integrity.
This past year has been a busy one for the 1st District, marked by challenges, opportunities, and continued growth. We have navigated political issues, leadership transitions, and evolving demands in our profession. At the same time, these challenges have created opportunities to learn, adapt, and find better ways to move forward together.
One of our ongoing priorities has been improving communication to ensure our members understand what is happening within the district, across the state, and where we are headed as an organization. Under the leadership of WSCFF President Dennis Lawson, we took a more direct approach, engaging locals through general membership meetings. I could not be prouder of how the 1st District responded. Locals stepped up, filled the meeting rooms, listened carefully, and asked thoughtful, detailed questions.
We often say we are a bottom-up organization. This is true only when members are present and engaged. It is our responsibility to show up, participate, and ensure our voices are heard. I learned early on that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. That has never been more relevant. Significant issues affect our profession, and it is critical that we obtain our information directly from those involved rather than from secondhand sources or social media.
The 1st District continues to prioritize education and leadership development. Through programs such as Power Through Participation and other training, we are investing in current and future leaders. We have also welcomed new locals and bargaining units to our district, clear evidence that our organization continues to grow and that more workers are choosing to stand together under the strength of our union.
Our work is never done. We must remain engaged and involved, and commit ourselves to ongoing learning and representation.
Our firehouses are changing. We have hired many new members over the past several years who bring energy and potential but may not have experienced the struggles that built the foundation we stand on today. It is up to us to share that history, pass along our knowledge, and create opportunities for them to grow. Succession planning is not a future problem; it is a current responsibility.
As I reflect on the past year, I remain deeply grateful to be part of this labor movement and to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to strengthening our organization.
I will continue working every day to leave this position and district better than I found them.