Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

06/08/2026

IAFF 7th District Vice President Emeritus James “Jim” Hill,1939-2026

With great sadness and deep respect, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters announces the passing of IAFF 7th District Vice President Emeritus James "Jim" Hill.

Jim was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1939, the same year the WSCFF was founded - a fitting start for a man whose life would become deeply intertwined with the labor movement, the IAFF, and the WSCFF. Jim served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, worked at Boeing, and in 1963, joined the Tacoma Fire Department.

In 1974, Jim was elected President of IAFF Local 31 Tacoma. Three years later, he became Vice President of the WSCFF, and in 1980 he was elected IAFF 7th District Vice President, a position he held until he retired in 1998. Among his proudest achievements was negotiating the first contract for Local I-66 Boeing following its affiliation on May 2, 1996.

Jim's contributions to the WSCFF and the IAFF 7th District, combined with his decades of leadership and advocacy, left a lasting impact on the fire service, helping build a stronger union and future for firefighters throughout the region.

We mourn the loss of this true gentleman, who was as kind as he was tenacious, and honor his legacy. Generations of firefighters are better off because of his service. He will be deeply missed.

05/28/2026

There are moments when tragedy is so profound that words fall short. We stand with the workers of Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company, their families, and the entire Longview community in this moment of profound grief.

The WSCFF shares the following message from Longview Union Fire Fighters IAFF LOCAL 828 whose members responded to this incident, including information on how you can support the families affected:

“On behalf of IAFF Local 828, we extend our condolences to everyone affected by this week’s tragic incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company.

Our hearts go out to the workers, families, coworkers, responders, dispatchers, law enforcement and hospital staff impacted by this tragedy. We especially recognize the strength and professionalism shown during such a difficult time.

Please know that IAFF Local 828 stands with our AWPPW family and all those affected. Our thoughts are with the injured, their families, and everyone working through the aftermath.

If people would like to donate money to the families affected by this incident, they can drop off or mail checks to:

Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Credit Union
629 14th Avenue
Longview, WA 98632

Please make checks payable to “Cowlitz Wahkiakum Labor Council” and include “Family Fund Donation” in the memo line. Money donated will be dispersed across the families affected.

In solidarity,

IAFF Local 828
Longview Union Fire Fighters”

05/26/2026

WSCFF members from Longview Union Fire Fighters IAFF LOCAL 828 and Cowlitz Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3828 and Hazmat Unit from Vancouver Firefighters IAFF Local 452 responded to a chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, the Nippon employees, our injured firefighter, all who responded to this devastating incident, and the Longview and Cowlitz County communities affected by this tragedy. Vancouver Firefighters IAFF Local 452 is also providing peer support.

05/15/2026

The WSCFF is proud to endorse Independent Nate Powell for U.S. Representative in Washington’s 5th Congressional District. Nate is a member of Spokane Firefighters Local 29 and will be a strong advocate for workers in Congress.

05/13/2026

Making lifesaving cancer screenings more accessible takes continued advocacy and lawmakers willing to act.

In a Everett Herald op-ed WSCFF Legislative Liaison AJ Johnson writes on the work that helped move the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act into law, and why expanded access to earlier cancer detection matters for firefighters and communities across Washington.

Read AJ’s full piece: Making lifesaving cancer screenings more accessible takes continued advocacy and lawmakers willing to act.

In a HeraldNet op-ed WSCFF Legislative Liaison AJ Johnson writes on the work that helped move the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act into law, and why expanded access to earlier cancer detection matters for firefighters and communities across Washington.

Read AJ’s full piece: heraldnet.com/2026/04/22/op-ed-firefighters-face-elevated-cancer-risk-congress-just-took-a-critical-step

AJ Johnson

04/29/2026

Grateful for our Cowlitz Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3828 currently deployed in Georgia in support of the Pineland Road Fire response.

WSCFF members regularly answer the call beyond state lines. Thank you to this crew, your journey, and to our members who serve communities far from home. Stay safe.

04/28/2026

Over 250 WSCFF members traveled from across Washington to Wenatchee last week for the 2026 IAFF-WSCFF Jointly Sponsored Educational Seminar, taking part in 18 breakout sessions covering the many areas that shape our members’ lives, safety, working conditions, benefits, and future.

Since 1939, the WSCFF has worked to provide Washington’s firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics with the safest possible working environment, the best possible working conditions, and fair compensation and benefits. That work continues when members participate and bring these important resources back to their locals.

On behalf of WSCFF President Dennis Lawson, thank you to every member who attended and those who supported them in their absence.

04/14/2026

Calling all new members with less than 5 years on the job: the IAFF 7th District New Member Conference registration is open! This is an amazing opportunity to connect, engage and learn. Reach out to your local's elected representatives about how you can participate.

With all the new members we have in the IAFF 7th District, I am looking forward to bringing you another excellent event full of history, advocacy, and a clear understanding of why this work of protecting each other through our union is so important.

May 19-21, 2026 is the annual IAFF 7th District New Members Conference, being held in Kennewick, WA. Registration is open. Please reach out to your elected representatives about how you can participate. Let's go.







Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association | Washington State Council of Fire Fighters | Professional Firefighters of Idaho | Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters

04/08/2026

Two WSCFF members were recognized with inaugural awards by IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly and General Secretary-Treasurer Frank V. Lima at the first IAFF Strive For Excellence Summit 2026!

Will Silva, Treasurer of Local F-283 Lewis-McChord Professional Fire Fighters, received the Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Award, which honors leaders who strengthen relationships and representation across the fire service. His service includes eight years on the IAFF Human Relations Committee, training and technical support across the fire service, and mentoring veterans facing amputation through his work at a VA hospital.

Greg Markley, WSCFF Secretary-Treasurer and a member of Puget Sound Firefighters Local 1747, received the Vincent J. Bollon Award, which recognizes outstanding affiliate leadership. The IAFF highlighted his long-standing work strengthening union leadership and serving members through the principles of a strong labor movement. Greg was elected a WSCFF District Representative in 1997 and Secretary-Treasurer in 2003. His service also includes chairing the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) and the IAFF Health & Wellness Trust, serving on the Washington State Investment Board, and volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for more than three decades.

These IAFF recognitions carry special meaning for us here in Washington - where so many have seen the lasting impact Will and Greg continue to make across our union and the fire service.

Image source: International Association of Fire Fighters

03/30/2026

Women firefighters strengthen the fire service.

Across Washington, women in the WSCFF are making an impact on the line, in leadership, and in their communities.

The WSCFF celebrates all women in the fire service, and we’re proud to highlight three inspiring women WSCFF firefighters and their stories for Women’s History Month, shared in their own words:

What do YOU think is important for people to understand about women working in the fire service today?

Lauren Welborn, president of Professional Rescuers of Skamania County, IAFF Local 4574: "“I think it’s important to understand that women can absolutely do this job. It takes an incredible woman to do that, it’s hard work, but it’s worth it, and each of them who go down this path have my respect.”

Joslin Pierotti, Boeing Firefighters IAFF Local I-66: "“I think it’s important that people understand that a crew or a firehouse is an environment that benefits from all types of people and perspectives. I have had the pleasure in my career to have always been surrounded by coworkers who have welcomed me with open arms, allowed me to be my authentic self and have a seat at the table. From running calls to living under the same roof, I believe it is so beneficial to have a female in the mix because we can bring a different natural perspective to any situation.

The women I have had the pleasure of working beside have been excellent examples of being strong enough to do the physical hard work, but also bring a level of compassion and empathy that I think can turn a good call into a great call by exceeding in customer service and the ability to connect with those who are being affected during a stressful time. Everyone has something to offer to the fire service and to the community their department protects.”

Alyssa Pray, East Pierce Firefighters: “Women are here, and they’re committed to doing the job well.

Like anyone else in this profession, it comes down to showing up, working hard, and being someone your crew can rely on. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team that supports me, challenges me, and holds me accountable.

I wouldn’t be where I am without that environment. At the end of the day, it’s a team effort, and the goal is to contribute to something bigger than yourself.”

Read the full article at www.wscff.org/women-firefighters-strengthen-the-fire-service