2025 Conference

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Conference 2025   

Discover how to invest in your people at every level during our conference in Tulalip. Supporting mental health, fostering a culture of respect, and designing systems that recognize and reward contributions are equally essential. A district that puts its people first creates a resilient, reliable, and high-performing service for the community it protects. If you have questions concerning Conference events, please contact the WFCA office at jordonm@wfca.wa.gov or (800)491-9322. Printable Agenda | Roster

Register

 

22Wednesday

WFCA Board of Directors Meeting
Chinook 2
9:00 am

Members are invited to attend the WFCA Board meeting on Wednesday at 9 am. View Current Board.

WFCA Legal Committee Meeting
Orca 3
1:30 pm

A panel of legal experts will discuss “hot topics” and field your questions on Wednesday afternoon during this informal general session.

Come Network!
Orca Foyer
3:30-6:30 pm

Please plan to visit the vendor exhibit tables on Wednesday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to say hello to associate members and find out about the latest products and services our vendors have to offer.

The WFCA registration desk will be open for conference packet pickup on Wednesday at 3:30 pm, at 7:30 am on Thursday, and 8 am on Friday.

Separate Registration
Orca 2 & 3
6:30-9:30 pm

In conjunction with the WFCA conference, Attorney Brian Snure will present the 37th Annual Laws Update Seminar on Wednesday evening. Registration is separate from the WFCA conference.

Details

 

23Thursday

Conference Kickoff Buffet Breakfast
Orca 1
8:00 - 9:00 am

Delegates are invited to the Conference Kickoff Breakfast Thursday morning, hosted by Rice Fergus Miller Architecture, ESIP, Foster Garvey PC, and D.A. Davidson & Company. The WFCA Board and Staff appreciate the generous support of these associate members!

Conference Opening Ceremonies
Orca 2 & 3
9:30 am

Members will assemble Thursday morning at 9:30 to officially open the WFCA’s Conference. President Boling will introduce distinguished guests followed by a welcoming address from a local dignitary. Fire commissioners, chiefs and district secretaries that have passed away during the year will be recognized and honored during the memorial service.

Devin Henderson
Orca 2 & 3
11:00 am

 


Devin Henderson is a multi-talented powerhouse: an experienced presenter and seasoned performer, having logged thousands of performances as an award-winning comedian and magician and an in-demand keynote speaker. His unique combination of skills and storytelling and his hilarious and engaging interaction are what make him an audience favorite. His clients have included Pepsi, Hallmark, Cerner and hundreds more. His performances have been called, "unreal," "unexpected," and "unforgettable" and he delivers the ultimate keynote experience to inspire resilience.

For many individuals and teams, a once-held vision of unlimited possibility gets small and limited as a result of life’s daily stressors, persistent insecurities, self-doubt, isolation, and even failure. But what if you and your team could reclaim and even expand your full potential at any time? And what if your truest potential was bigger, richer, and more satisfying than you had previously envisioned? Seasoned speaker and performer Devin Henderson brings an unforgettable experience of impact and inspiration that helps people and organizations take a break from the worries of the day while breaking free from perceived limits. You will discover practices for maintaining mental strength and resilience to realize your greatness like never before.

Come Network!
Orca 1
12:00 pm

Enjoy a plated meal and have some fun at Thursday’s luncheon sponsored by several WFCA Associate Members. You may hold a lucky ticket and win a door prize!

Your Brain is Good at Inclusion… Except When It’s Not
Orca 2 & 3
1:30 - 5:00 pm

This workshop provides an innovative, neuroscience-based look at the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces. Using the fields of cognitive neuroscience, social-psychology, and communication (among others), Dr. Robbins explores the human, hard-wired need to belong – and what happens when that need is not met. He demonstrates how our brain has natural and developed tendencies (e.g. unconscious biases) that can help us achieve goals, but also lead to unintended consequences, like the exclusion of others who are different than us. He provides listeners with terms and a language that invite people into productive conversations about inclusion and diversity. In the end, Dr. Robbins shows that the key to battling bias and a cultivating a more inclusive organizational culture begins with a practical understanding of how the brain operates, but ultimately requires continuous and intentional practice of fundamental skills (i.e., open-mindedness and mindful engagement). With such skills, organizations have a strong foundation for creating and maintaining an environment that unleashes everyone’s talents and skills.

The interactive workshop/presentation makes a compelling, neuroscience-grounded case for why addressing inclusion and diversity is not an option, but an organizational imperative for excelling in a dynamic, 21st century world. And as always, Dr. Robbins brings all this science-based content neatly packaged in real-world relevance, a good dose of storytelling and laugh-out-loud humor. Ultimately, listeners will walk away with 1) a greater motivation to engage the work of inclusion and diversity, 2) better understand what that work looks like, and 3) how such work will enhance individual and organizational performance.


Steve Robbins

A thought leader and innovator, Dr. Robbins' unique, science-based approach to inclusion and diversity has captured wide acclaim from numerous audiences and organizations across the world, employing neuroscience and the science of human behavior to encourage individuals and organizations to be more open-minded, mindful, and intentional about inclusion and valuing people for their unique gifts, abilities, and experiences. Dr. Robbins’ HERO Skills (Humility, Empathy, Reflection and Open-mindedness) for Relational Intelligence is being used by many to create more human-centered organizations, ones in which the human brain can perform at its best.

Dr. Robbins earned an undergraduate degree in Communication from Calvin College, and his masters and doctorate in Communication Science from Michigan State University. His background in communication, social-psychology and cognitive neuroscience drives his work with individuals and organizations – the core of the work is about understanding human behavior and leveraging human talent in a fast-paced, ever-changing 21st century world.


24Friday

Planning, Funding, & Communicating Capitol Projects
Orca 1
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Making capital projects happen – such as fire stations or new apparatus –can be a challenge. This is the first time a team of experts have joined together in a panel to walk you through the process from developing design and cost estimates; identifying the most effective financing tools; and communicating and engaging with your community for necessary funding.

The presenters have almost 100 years of experience combined in helping local governments design, finance and secure voter approval for capital projects. In this session you will learn:

1. When and what it means to start the planning stage for design, architecture and cost estimates.

2. A comprehensive approach to financing capital projects including voted or non-voted bonds, improving your bond rating, and refinancing debt to save taxpayers money.

3. How to determine a realistic amount for a tax increase, choosing an election date, and engaging with your community about the project and its benefits.


Gunnar Gladics

Gunnar Gladics is a principal and owner with Rice Fergus Miller Inc. with 25 years of experience working in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction fields. As a former paid on call / volunteer firefighter for two different cities Gunnar focuses his practice on public safety and civic projects throughout the Northwest. Gunnar’s Primary role at RFM is to lead capital facilities planning for local governments in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and includes plans up to $250M in asset improvements.

Liz Loomis

Liz Loomis has 25 years of experience in strategic communications, campaigns, elections, and local government to achieve the desired outcomes for her clients. Her company has a 93% win-record for ballot measures that increase revenue or improve efficiency for local governments.

Jim Neslon

Jim Nelson is a Managing Director with D.A. Davidson & Company’s Public Finance Department. Jim has over 30 years of public finance experience providing bond underwriting services or financial advisory services to fire districts and regional fire authorities, as well as other municipalities in the Washington State. Jim has completed over 600 financings with a par amount greater than $6.0 billion. His financing experience includes affordability analysis for non voted bonds, tax levy analysis for voted bonds, refinancing bonds, coaching and preparing for a rating presentation, and presenting financing options to meet your long-term goals. Jim has FINRA Series 50, Series 52, and Series 63 licenses. Jim has a B.A. from the University of Washington.


Volunteerism
Orca 3
8:30 - 10:00 am

This class will highlight a case study of a successful Fire District/RFA volunteer/Part paid training and incentive program. In todays very busy and complex world, Fire Protection Districts are facing challenges of providing cost effective training to their volunteer/part paid personnel and at the same time meeting the challenges of the citizens they serve. How to recruit and retain your firefighters will be discussed and review some of the innovative ways of regional delivery training offered. Don't miss this unique opportunity to review and discuss volunteer/paid paid Firefighter issues and look for new innovative ways to meet your citizens needs.


Howard Scartozzi


Fire Chief Recruitment - When you have to do it yourself!
Orca 3
10:30 am - 12:00 pm

The session will cover the important elements of conducting an in house fire chief recruitment presented by those who do it for a living!


Greg Prothman

President - GMP Consultants

Greg brings a unique combination of 20+ years of experience in various functions of government and 25 years of experience in public sector recruitment. Prior to forming GMP Consulting, Greg founded and was the driving force at Prothman Company as its President and CEO. Early in his career Greg served as a police officer for the University of Washington and the City of Renton. He left police work after completing his Master’s degree in Public Administration and accepted an administrative position for the City of Des Moines, WA. He was quickly promoted to Assistant City Manager and then City Manager. A Seattle native, Greg completed his BA at Western Washington University and his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Washington. Greg is a volunteer member of Seattle Mountain Rescue and a member of Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol and a former 14 year member of the City of Snoqualmie Fire Department where he served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT.

Chief Gordie Olson

Senior Consultant Fire Services

Chief Olson brings over 40 Years of professional fire service experience including almost three decades with South King Fire in Washington State and retired after 8 years as Fire Chief for the City of Thornton Fire Department in Colorado. In 2024, Gordie served 6 months as the Interim Fire Chief in Oak Harbor, Washington. Gordie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) and of the Harvard University Kennedy School: Senior Executives in Local and State Government program. He was active with the IAFC Executive Fire Officer Section, chaired the Washington Fire Chiefs Fire Officers Section, and taught visioning at the IAFC Fire Rescue International Conference. He has extensive experience in labor/management relations, fire and tiered based EMS systems, accreditation, succession planning, and strategic planning.

Kate Hansen

Operations Manager - GMP Consultants

Kate brings 20 years of project management and administration experience spanning private business, nonprofit, and government. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a B.A. in Theatre from Chapman University, with an emphasis in stage management. Kate brings a distinguishing blend of attention to detail, creativity, and critical thinking. Having served as a fire district administrator, political campaign manager and elected official, Kate possesses multi-faceted experience in local government. She has also served on the Board of Directors for multiple non-profits. Kate is currently a Fire Commissioner for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue where she brings first-hand knowledge of Fire and EMS operations and governance, having also served as a fire department administrator for Northshore Fire.


Come Network!
Orca Foyer
9:30am - 2:30 pm

The popular Eye-to-Eye Exposition offers attendees an opportunity to interact one-on-one with representatives from a variety of state, federal, and non-profit organizations. Participants will also have a chance to win a prize, so be sure to check out the agencies represented at the Expo!

Business Meeting & Board Elections
Orca 3
1:30 pm

Friday’s annual business meeting will feature an overview of the association’s financial and operational status as well as committee reports. Board elections will take place from 2:00-2:30 pm. Nominating Report.

Proxy Voting Form

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour & Banquet
Orca 1
6:00 pm

Come strut the red carpet dressed in your best! Enjoy some mingle time with cocktails before dinner. During the banquet several awards are presented, such as the 2025 Photo Contest Winners, and special recognition is given to commissioners who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service to their districts or RFAs.

Purchase Extra Meal Ticket

 

25Saturday

Installation Breakfast
Orca 1
7:30 am

On Saturday morning, a plated breakfast will be served during which the 2026 Board of Directors will be installed and administered the oath of office.

Purchase Extra Meal Ticket

 
Supporting the Frontline: A Departmental Approach to Mental Health in the Fire Service and EMS
Orca 1
8:30 am - 10:00 am

Explore the unique mental health challenges facing fire and EMS personnel and discover department-level strategies to support emotional wellness. Topics include peer support, on-site mental health professionals, decompression break policies, hot washes, resiliency tools, and culturally competent treatment options. Learn how to build a culture that prioritizes mental health through training, collaboration, and access to the right resources.


Ryan & Brooke Lundquist

Dr. Brooke Lundquist, Ph.D., LMHC, Owner, Mental Health Counselor - First Responder Counseling and Consulting

Dr. Brooke Lundquist is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with first responder individuals and couples. Brooke is the owner of a group counseling practice, First Responder Counseling and Consulting, located in Snohomish and via telehealth, where she and her team provide therapy to first responders and their families. In addition, Brooke is also the on-site MHP at Redmond Fire Department, Bellevue Fire Department, and Paramedic Training at Harborview Medical Center. She is trained in EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, and is a Certified First Responder Counselor. Brooke is often accompanied by her 4-year-old facility dog, Raider, who was trained for the first 2 ½ years of his life to provide support to individuals and groups. He has several cute tricks, in addition to many skills that provide support and have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, including hugs and snuggles. Brooke was first introduced to the fire department family 25 years ago when she met her husband, Ryan. Brooke and Ryan have two teenage daughters and in her spare time, Brooke enjoys reading, working out, spending time outdoors, travelling with Ryan, and baking with her two teen daughters.

Ryan Lundquist, Assistant Chief of Operations - Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue

Ryan currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Operations for Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue. He began his fire service career in 1997, starting as a firefighter assigned to a ladder company. In 2000, he became a paramedic and spent the next sixteen years providing advanced life support in the field. Promoted to Lieutenant in 2007, Chief Lundquist played a key role in training and mentoring newly hired firefighters. His leadership was further tested in March 2014, when he served as a Rescue Group Supervisor during the Oso Landslide—a devastating event that claimed 22 lives. As part of the Snohomish County Technical Rescue Team, he spent 11 days leading rescue efforts. That experience deepened his commitment to acknowledging and addressing the psychological impact of traumatic events on first responders. In 2016, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, where he continued developing leadership capacity across the organization. Following the 2020 consolidation that formed Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue, he was promoted to Operations Chief. Today, he oversees 220-line personnel operating out of 10 stations, serving a population of over 160,000 residents. Chief Lundquist holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington.


Conference Prep   

Are you ready for conference? You can start prep now by working on your Memorial Service and Service Awards submissions. Please submit Service Awards and Memorial submissions by October 3rd. Help us honor our amazing fire service! There are several options for lodging available. Make sure to follow instructions to get the group rates.

Prep & Lodging Info

 

Pricing

Several registration options are available for you to customize your experience. An educational grant program is available to member districts/RFAs whose assessed value is less than $75 million. A limited number of complimentary conference registrations are available. Click here to apply.

Full Conference

MEMBER

Register before 9/20/25 for $50 Off!

$470.00

1 Day

MEMBER

Register before 9/20/25 for $50 Off!

$260.00