Greg Markley - WSCFF Secretary/Treasurer

04/20/2024

You have some of the best in the business serving you in these leadership roles. I am proud to be amongst them and grateful for you giving me the opportunities to work and fight for you. This is really some very important work getting done and by numerous great instructors. Thank you to everyone.

12/27/2023

It saddens us to share with you this heavy news. Last night we lost a member of our Port of Seattle Fire family. Alvin Vaughn passed away last night with his family by his side after battling pancreatic cancer. Alvin served over 30 years with our department and was beloved member of our team. He brought light to our station whenever he walked in. Please keep his family in your prayers during this time.

12/23/2023

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve you in various capacities. I want to express my gratitude for the collaborative work we've engaged in, for the ways you challenge and push me, and for the unwavering support you provide. This year has been exceptionally busy but equally productive. I am fortunate to have a support structure that is not only competent and caring but also consistently reliable, as depicted here. I eagerly anticipate the ongoing commitment to excellence in our work and the shared goal of enhancing the lives and finances of those we serve.

See you soon! Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Holidays!

💯💪🏽

09/23/2023

Great union training opportunities here. Hope to see you there.

🔥ANNOUNCEMENT🔥

I am proud to share the educational line up for our upcoming International Association of Fire Fighters 7th District Conference (formerly known as PEP). Choose your track and be ready to learn what you need to improve upon, or to complete your duties to your membership. Recently at the IAFF 7th District Caucus, leaders from around this District gave input to classes they thought would be useful to you. We are offering five (5) different learning tracks AND three (3) additional classes specific to our District.

EDUCATION TO CONSIDER:
A program that is gaining traction to facilitate resiliency to foster a better home life with your partner has been included. An in depth class on using Powerpoint to its maximum capacity so as to ensure you are building presentations and delivering to your membership or policy makers the very detailed information to help you explain or advocate your important issues. And finally, a class specifically for our Idaho affiliates that dissects the Idaho collective bargaining law so you fully understand your rights/processes at the bargaining table. Many of our partners will be there as well that offer the latest in health savings accounts and cancer screening for early detection. There will be much in just a short amount of time so be ready to absorb this education. The hotel block expires in two weeks so lets get that booked and registration completed. I'll drop the link in the comments for registration, agenda, and accommodations.

IAFF APP:
If you don't have this yet, you should download it. It's a useful tool that will only get better as we use it more.

I can't wait to see you all there.

08/08/2023

Our organization is second to none because of the dedication and hard work of our affiliated locals. I am very honored and proud to continue serving you all as your elected Secretary/Treasurer.

I believe we are stronger together. 💪

IAFF members from across Washington gathered in Wenatchee in June for the WSCFF 84th Annual Convention, hosted by Wenatchee Valley Firefighters, Local 453.

Two hundred forty-four delegates and 18 alternates presented, discussed, and voted on 28 resolutions to determine the budget and set the direction for the WSCFF for the coming year. Increases in the CPI and several budget line items will increase monthly per capita to $27.46. Resolutions related to political action included PFML protections for first responders on short-term leave, state-funded cancer screenings, and recovering costs for wall time at hospitals. Several items related to the governance of the organization were considered, including revisions to the district representative job descriptions, adoption of a strategic plan, and creation of a federal/industrial local liaison to keep the WSCFF board apprised of their unique issues. Recognizing that the labor movement must do a better job of promoting behavioral health, reducing stigma, and developing training opportunities, delegates voted to create a Standing Behavioral Health Committee.

In all, 25 of the 28 resolutions were adopted. Find more information on 2023 resolutions on the WSCFF website with your username and password. All WSCFF members may review resolutions and convention materials. If you need help with username and password, contact the office. Remember that progress toward implementing resolutions is reported at the IAFF-WSCFF Jointly Sponsored Educational Spring Seminar. If you have questions about specific resolutions, contact your WSCFF District Representative.

Greg Markley - WSCFF Secretary/Treasurer, 2nd District Representative Chris Ross, 4th District Representative Reed Astley, 6th District Representative Tim Hoover, Dean Shelton - WSCFF Vice President/8th District Representative, Matt Martens - WSCFF 10th District, and Trustee Tom Reich were re-elected.

The WSCFF Retirees Association Advisory Committee had a productive event as well. They set their meeting schedule for the next year; began a draft of their budget; planned meetings with retiree groups around the state; planned two classes for the 2024 Educational Seminar; and discussed additional benefits for their members.

At the meetings of the IAFF MERP and IAFF Health & Wellness Trust, Craig Soucy and Jeff Wainwright were re-elected to their respective trustee positions.

The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation Board met on Tuesday afternoon and re-elected 2nd District Trustee Ryan Pragnell, 4th District Trustee Mickey Randahl, 6th District Trustee Melissa Beard, and 8th District Trustee Scott Jackson. Chris Denny was elected to the 10th District Trustee position and Clint Jenkins will serve as 3rd District Trustee after a special election for that position.

Convention was not all business. The week began on Sunday with a golf tournament benefiting our Burn Foundation. On Monday, delegates, alternates, family members and guests enjoyed a lovely evening at the Union Hill Cider Company. Senator Kevin Van De Wege addressed delegates on Tuesday morning, announcing his candidacy for Washington Commissioner of Public Lands. In the evening, the WSCFF held the annual awards banquet, celebrating our 2023 legislative successes and recognizing outstanding work by our members and allies on behalf of our members across the state. Bill Garlington, L452, Terry McCartin, L1747, and 6th District Rep. Tim Hoover, L1828, received the Ricky Walsh - IAFF 7th District Fully Involved Award. Washington State Representative Dan Bronoske, L1488, received the Walt Lambert Labor Leader award. Washington State Representative Liz Berry was honored with the Jack Waller Honorary Fire Fighter Award.

Member participation drives the WSCFF agenda. Our 84th Annual Convention was a success because locals sent delegates to give direction to the organization and work on behalf of all members. We were excited to see about 30% of the delegates attending for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives and positive energy to the event and organization. We thank all our locals for their membership and participation.

05/19/2023

Some information on your dues to the International Association of Fire Fighters. This is important stuff and I agree we need to ensure that we are paying for the services, events, and positions that our members vote on at convention. Great info Frank Lima - IAFF GST.

Sisters and Brothers:
As many of you plan ahead to prepare your local budgets, I wanted to get this information to you as early as possible. Beginning October 1, 2023, IAFF monthly per capita will be $17.52 for active members and $8.76 for retired-active members. This new amount reflects the changes approved by the delegates at the 56th IAFF Biennial Convention in Ottawa.

That total includes the current $16.73 and $8.37 for retired-active. It also adds 59 cents ($0.59) for inflation based on the U.S. National Consumer Price Index for Workers (CPI-W) as issued by the Department of Labor. Additionally, 19.25 cents ($0.1925) which is rounded to 20 cents ($0.20) based on resolutions from the 56th IAFF Convention is included in the new total. Remember, the CPI-W increase is capped at 3.5% - the actual CPI-W increased by 7.7%. Our costs at the IAFF have increased well above 7%; however, per capita will only increase 3.5%

Approved convention resolutions containing per capita increases that take effect in October 2023 are listed below:

Resolution 10 - Emergency Disputes Fund (7.5 cents - $0.075)
Resolution 19 - Cancer Research Funding (6.5 cents - $0.065)
Resolution 44 - Fire and EMS Operations Department Staffing Increase (5.25 cents - $0.0525)

This per capita change was reviewed by IAFF Convention committees, debated by delegates, and ultimately approved on the Convention floor to fund the vital programs that our members rely on. As a battle-tested, former local president of a large local, I understand the impact of increasing per capita. However, if we want to continue providing the top-notch professional services that make our IAFF one of the most powerful unions in the House of Labor, we must fund it properly. The delegates at our Convention voted to fund these vital programs. This change to per capita allows us to do that.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly if you need anything or have any questions.

In Solidarity – Unite, Fight, Organize.

Frank V. Líma
General Secretary-Treasurer

05/18/2023

I had an absolute blast instructing a class to the Conference! This is just a snap shot of the future of our labor union, and advocates for bettering our world. Kent Firefighters Local 1747 is lucky to have these individuals serving the mulitple cities and districts of King County, WA.

Some of our members attended the IAFF 7th District New Members Conference. It is hosted by our IAFF Vice President

The conference is an opportunity for members with 5 years or less to learn about their Union, its history, and what it means to be an active participant.

Local 1747 sent several members for this event in Tri Cities. Greg Markley was also a speaker representing the WSCFF as our Secretary Treasurer and member.

03/08/2023

We HAVE to have relationships with our elected officials. Its so critical for our work and the pursuit of improving your lives and the lives of those we serve.

Great week at

02/22/2023

It's an unescapable fact.

When it comes to local, state, and federal politics you have got to be engaged. These elected or appointed people make the decisions that directly impact the important work and response of FIRE and EMS, and determine your personal livelihood. The people we serve, our communities, want, demand, and expect a high level of service.

It is OUR job to advocate for those services because we are the experts who help deliver it.

As a member in OUR union, you can help those in our ranks who you have selected through democratic processes to participate in the important work of advocacy by contributing voluntarily to your local, state, or the federal political action fund, known as FIREPAC.

Ask your local leader about how you can contribute. It can be a one time contribution, or you can do monthly. I would challenge any of you to contribute monthly. Whether we like it or not, elections and participation in those elections cost money. Having the ability to participate helps us move important firefighter issues forward.

Thank you to those of you who already contribute. You have directly made a difference for everyone. From presumptive coverages, to benefit improvements, to basic fights for collective bargaining. I look forward to your questions and your advocacy. Take care.

01/23/2023

I'm proud to be apart of this fine Local for so long. Happy Birthday friends! Kent Firefighters Local 1747!

01/23/2023

One of the important roles that I am privileged to participate in is that of a Washington State Investment Board voting member. I was appointed by the Governor of Washington in 2017. Recently, I was reappointed by the Governor and of course am subject to confirmation but I was able to testify to the Washington State Legislature, Senate Ways & Means committee during this process.

The video explains about the work and gives a little info on what exactly our Washington State Investment Board does and how its work is important to our LEOFF system as well as the numerous other public pension systems. Take a look. I am very grateful to get to do this work on behalf of us all. And remember, if you have questions please let me know and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner always. Thanks.