In June, 235 delegates and 14 alternates representing 67 WSCFF locals convened in Kennewick for the 87th Annual WSCFF Convention. Over the course of three days, members set the organization’s course for the coming year, electing leadership, debating and passing resolutions, setting policy priorities, and honoring those who have made significant contributions to the union and the fire service.
Dennis Lawson, L726 Pierce County, was re-elected as WSCFF President for a two-year term, and Dean Shelton, L3219 Marysville, was re-elected Vice President for a one-year term. Corey Newman, L29 Spokane, was elected to a three-year term as Trustee, succeeding Tom Reich (L1296 Kennewick & Benton 1), who is retiring from the position after 24 years of service. Election for WSCFF District Representatives and Burn Foundation Trustees from the odd-numbered districts were also held:
WSCFF District Representative Election Results:
1st District: Ryan Reese, L452
3rd District: Bryan Copeland, L1488
5th District: Tom Fields, L1604
7th District: Craig Becker, L1819
9th District: Jeff Wainwright, L3701
WSCFF Burn Foundation Election Results:
District 1: Morgan Hieggelke, L3828
District 3: Nate Lewis, L726
District 5: Vacant
District 7: Kevin Vay, L2819
District 9 Kasey Austin, L0029
A record-breaking 47 resolutions came before the body and the 19 convention committees, with 41 adopted—the most resolutions ever introduced and adopted at a WSCFF Convention. These resolutions provide direction for the WSCFF’s work in the coming year and beyond. Following thoughtful debate, delegates adopted measures focused on setting the budget for the next fiscal year, bylaws, female health and safety, behavioral health, workforce protections, legislative advocacy, and[TM1] more.
Key actions included pursuing legislation to expand occupational disease protections, add Parkinson’s Disease as a presumptive occupational disease, and expand PSERS retirement eligibility for currently ineligible WSCFF-represented public safety personnel; supporting research on lithium-ion battery incidents; funding IAFF Peer Support Training opportunities; researching emerging behavioral health treatment options; establishing a Women’s Health & Safety Committee; entering strategic partnerships to strengthen wildland fire preparedness; and ideas for the educational seminar curriculum and WSCFF communications planning. Additional resolutions recognized the outstanding service by members and Convention host Locals 1052 Richland, 1296 Kennewick, 1433 Pasco, and I-24 Hanford.
Find the complete list of resolutions here.
On Wednesday, June 24, attendees and guests gathered for the annual awards banquet. Matt Lowery, L3520 East Pierce, received the Ricky J. Walsh Fully Involved Award.
Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck was presented with the Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter Award.
Dean Shelton, L3219 Marysville, received the Walt Lambert Trade Union Leadership Award.
Tom Reich was recognized for 24 years of service as WSCFF Trustee, and John Stockman and Connie Shim-Sotelo were recognized for their years of service to the IAFF 7th District Benevolent Fund.
IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh, who is not running for re-election this year, was recognized for over 40 years of advocacy, leadership and service to our union.
The IAFF MERP, and IAFF Health and Wellness Trust (HWT) also held their annual meetings and elections. Craig Soucy, L864, and Jeff Wainwright, L3701, were reelected to serve on both the MERP and HWT boards.
Convention week included several opportunities for members and their families to connect beyond the formal business of the convention with the IAFF 7th District Motorcycle Group ride and a charity golf invitational benefiting the WSCFF Burn Foundation and WSCFF Cancer Foundation hosted by Local 1296 Kennewick on Monday – which raised $3,175, a family barbeque and cornhole competition at Gesa Stadium on Tuesday, and a gathering on Wednesday for spouses and partners at Summer’s Hub of Kennewick featuring information on WSCFF behavioral health programs and resources followed by a trip to the REACH Museum.
The WSCFF extends its sincere appreciation to Locals 1052 Richland, 1296 Kennewick, 1433 Pasco, and I-24 Hanford for hosting this year’s Convention. Their commitment and preparation helped make this a Convention to remember, and created an environment where members could come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and advance the work of our union.
The 88th Annual WSCFF Convention will be held June 22–24, 2027, in Spokane, WA, and hosted by Locals 29 Spokane, 876 Spokane Valley, 1919 Cheney, 2916 Spokane County #9, 3711 Spokane County #8, 4333 Stevens County, 5363 Spokane County #4, and 5440 West Plains.
Contact your local officers or district representative to learn how to participate in the next convention or union leadership. Member participation is what makes the WSCFF work.