News

WSCFF President Elected Leader of Federation Representing U.S. States and Canadian Provinces

Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) President Dennis J. Lawson has been unanimously elected as Chair of the IAFF Federation of State & Provincial Professional Fire Fighters (FSPPFF). The FSPPFF is comprised of officers from fire fighter associations across the United States and Canada and meets to exchange knowledge and information of legislative, political action, and current issues affecting fire fighters and to provide a means for stronger relationships and coordination between state and provincial associations. The WSCFF Executive Board and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh are pleased to announce Lawson’s election on International Firefighters Day.

“For almost 30 years, Dennis has served in positions of leadership for our state association, the WSCFF. His dedication and hard work have resulted in improvements to working conditions, wages, and benefits for Washington fire fighters and emergency medical personnel,” says WSCFF 1st District Representative Ryan Reese. “We appreciate his willingness to take on this new role, working with leaders throughout the U.S. and Canada.” IAFF 7th District Vice President Walsh added, “As the elected representative from the IAFF serving Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, I am proud of President Lawson’s work in Washington, and I’m sure he will be an asset for the other member leaders of the FSPPFF. Congratulations to him, and I thank all those leaders for their service.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve,” says President Lawson, “and I look forward to collaborating with my fellow labor leaders on behalf of the Fire and EMS organizations represented by the IAFF.”

Lawson replaces President Emeritus Peter Carozza, Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, who has chosen to retire.

Since its inception in 1939, the WSCFF has been politically active, focusing on legislative action that impacts the wages, working conditions, and benefits of approximately 8,500 members in 116 IAFF local affiliates in Washington State.