WA Fire Commissioners Association

The WFCA offers members several educational opportunities throughout the year. General details regarding these programs are listed below, along with links for event specifics, when applicable.

SATURDAY SEMINAR SERIES

The WFCA offers a Saturday Seminar Series to members during the first half of each year at various locations throughout the state. Click here for the 2008 Saturday Seminar Series brochure.

In even-numbered years, a New Commissioner/Commissioner Refresher course is offered. This workshop provides a comprehensive guide to the role and responsibility of newly elected commissioners and also serves as an excellent refresher course for seasoned administrators.

In odd-numbered years, a variety of topics are offered to help fire district administrators, such as public meetings conduct, budgeting, managing district resources, forecasting revenue and Public Disclosure Commission requirements, just to name a few.

Look for detailed class descriptions and registration forms in January-February of each year (information is mailed to members and posted on the web).

FIRE DISTRICT
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The WFCA Board of Directors established an Educational Grant Program to assist certain fire protection districts with costs associated to attend educational programs offered by the association.

The grant, available to member fire districts whose assessed valuation is $50 million or less, consists of a complimentary seminar or conference registration. Districts may designate their chief, secretary or one of their commissioners to utilize the grant; no cancellations or transfers are allowed.

The registration does not include hotel, travel or meal expenses (other than the customary group meal functions provided in the registration).

If you have questions regarding this program or wish to apply for a scholarship, please contact the WFCA office at 1.800.491.9322 or wfca@wfca.wa.gov.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE
GENERAL INFORMATION

The WFCA holds a conference each year during the third or fourth week in October (the 2008 conference will be held October 23-25 at the Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport). Pre-conference events include a Wednesday Board of Directors' meeting (afternoon) and a Snure Seminar covering fire district laws (evening).

Early Thursday morning, associate members Emergency Services Insurance Program and Rice, Fergus, Miller Architects host a deluxe buffet breakfast which is open to all WFCA members. This is a great conference kick-off providing fire district administrative personnel the opportunity to meet and greet one another prior to opening ceremonies. We are very appreciative to ESIP and Rice, Fergus, Miller for their continued sponsorship of this breakfast.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, opening ceremonies commence with traditional events, such as the memorial service (honoring deceased fire service administrators) and the keynote address.

Also on Thursday, there is a planned group luncheon (tickets are included in the conference registration), followed by educational programs throughout the afternoon. (Conference classes are set by the Education Committee, with input from the membership, in June of each year.)

Throughout Thursday, associate members offer a vehicle display in the hotel parking lot showcasing a variety of fire apparatus. In the evening, vendors open their hospitality suites, serving a variety of hors d'oeuvres and beverages. We wish to thank the associate members who so kindly sponsor the vehicle display and hospitality rooms for WFCA members.

Friday morning starts with the Business Meeting, during which committee and management reports are given and matters such as bylaws amendments and resolutions are discussed. This is your opportunity to bring up issues before your fellow fire district commissioners.

Time is set aside during the business meeting for commissioners to vote for the WFCA Board of Directors. Officers are elected annually; region directors are elected for two year terms on the following schedule: in odd-numbered years, directors are elected from Regions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and in even-numbered years, directors are elected from Regions 2, 4, 6 and 8. Terms of office begin January 1 and conclude December 31.

Friday lunch is on your own, with classes in the afternoon. On Friday evening, there is a no-host social hour followed by dinner (included with registration). During this event several awards are presented, such as the Management Excellence Awards, and special recognition is given to commissioners who have completed 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service to their districts--click here to download an application. The evening concludes with entertainment.

On Saturday morning, a planned group breakfast is held during which the newly elected WFCA Board of Directors is installed. The cost of the breakfast is included in the registration fee.

Following breakfast, a general session workshop is presented and conference concludes at approximately 12:00 noon.

NOTE: Throughout conference, the WFCA Auxiliary sponsors a Silent Auction and Raffle. This event relies solely on donations from individuals, fire districts and companies; all contributions are appreciated (no perishable items, please). Proceeds of the Auction and Raffle benefit the Northwest Burn Center.

The brochure outlining conference details, class descriptions and registration form is distributed to members in August of each year and is posted on this website when available.

HEALTH CARE WORKSHOPS

A variety of workshops are offered to administrators in districts that participate in the WFCA-sponsored health care program. Workshops occur at various times throughout the year; visit www.wfcabenefits.com for more information.

LEGISLATIVE DAY
WORKSHOP & LUNCHEON

Legislative Day is an annual joint-sponsored event hosted by the Washington Fire Commissioners Association and the Washington Fire Chiefs which is typically held early-on in the legislative session.

Commissioners and chiefs travel to the state capitol in Olympia to attend Legislative Day, which begins with a morning workshop. The workshop features a thorough review and discussion of bills that impact the fire service as well as pertinent information related to the legislative process.

Following the workshop, participants who have scheduled appointments in advance are free to meet personally in the offices of their Senators and Representatives (some may choose to do this following the luncheon).

Legislators are invited to the noon luncheon which allows an opportunity for them to meet with commissioners and chiefs to discuss relevant issues.

This event provides an excellent opportunity for members to become involved in the legislative process and personally discuss with their legislators important fire service issues.

The WFCA hosts Legislative Day in even-numbered years and the Washington Fire Chiefs hosts the event in odd-numbered years. Complete details are made available to members in November or December of each year.