About Washington Fire Chiefs
The Washington Fire Chiefs is an incorporated nonprofit association. Its mission is to be a source of information and education to its members and to take a lead role in influencing issues affecting the fire service.
It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a President, Vice-President, Board Representative, State Vice-President to the Western Fire Chiefs’ Association, and seven Directors. The officers and Board are elected for two-year terms; the State Vice-President to the Western Fire Chiefs Association is elected to a three-year term. All elections are held at the Association’s Annual Meeting.
There are six major standing committees with various subcommittees under each major committee. In addition, the President appoints ad-hoc committees as necessary. The President also appoints various members to state boards and commissions to represent the Association. All committees meet at the Committee Workshop to develop their objectives for the coming year.
There are eight Sections existing under the umbrella of the State Association. These Sections are:
- Training and Safety Officers
- Apparatus & Equipment
- Emergency Medical Services
- Public Fire Educators
- Fire Administrative Support
- Hazardous Materials/Special Operations
- Fire Officers
- Information Technology
Each Section elects its own officers and Board members and operates under a set of Operating Protocols. The protocols must be consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.
The Association is managed by the Executive Director and employs two administrative staff. The Association office is located at 605 East 11th Avenue in Olympia. The Executive Director is a registered lobbyist and represents the Association in legislative affairs along with a contract lobbyist.
In addition to the Annual Meeting, the Association sponsors the Executive Leadership Symposium, the Labor Relations Seminar, regional workshops, the Committee Workshop and a Legislative Reception.
The Association is an exclusive distributor in the state of Washington for IFSTA training materials. In addition, the Association has contracted with a private corporation to produce an annual Fire Incident Report (WIRS); this action was taken when the State eliminated funding for the WAFIRS system.
The Association now offers a Disability Insurance Plan for its member departments at a considerable savings in premium.
Income is derived from membership dues, sales of IFSTA materials and the various conferences and seminars sponsored by the Association.
Join the WFC or WFC Section