The following is a list of WFCA committees and other WFCA appointments, as well as the function and current membership of each.

BUDGET: Standing committee responsible for outlining and detailing the financial needs of the association on an annual basis (with regular review) and presenting at the October Board meeting a budget proposal for the following year.

• Chair: Gerald Bickett (Thurston 17)
• Brad Lothspeich (Clark 6)
• Patrick Burch (Spokane Valley Fire Dept)
• Larry Bartel (Clark County Fire & Rescue)
• Tom Sutich (Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One)

BYLAWS & RESOLUTIONS: Committee formed as needed, which receives all recommendations from the membership that are sent to the WFCA office; processes member resolutions for the annual meeting. Reports to the Board and membership annually.

CONFERENCE HOST: Committee that represents the local area for the annual conference; responsible for securing some speakers and presenters. Chair: Patrick Burch (Spokane Valley Fire Department)

EDUCATION: Committee that researches membership needs of continuing education programs and makes recommendations to the Board; responsible for recommending curriculum for both the Saturday Seminar Series and conference educational programs.

• Chair: Roy Waugh (Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue)
• Candy McCullough (Vashon Island Fire & Rescue)
• Mike Creighton (Mason 3)
• Bob Muhleman (Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue)
• Kelley McIntosh (North Mason RFA)
• David Chan (South County Fire)
• Jason Gleason (Brinnon Fire)
• Camille Walls (Maple Valley)
• Steven Slater (South East Thurston)

ENHANCED 911 ADVISORY: The Statewide Enhanced 911 Advisory Committee was established by the Legislature in 1991 to specifically give advice and provide assistance to the state enhanced 911 coordinator who has rule making authority. It allows the various factions (counties, 911 centers, telephone carriers, regulatory agencies, fire, law enforcement, and the public) to collaborate to assure that the most effective E911 service is provided statewide.

• WFCA Representative: Dave Pethia (West Thurston RFA)
• WFCA Alternate: Gillian Gregory (North Kitsap Fire & Rescue)

EXECUTIVE: This committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the WFCA. Specific responsibilities are outlined in Section II of the Policies as Established by the Board of Directors and Article 7 of the WFCA Constitution and Bylaws.

• Chair: Les Riel (Yakima 4) 
• Lee Boling (Spokane 8) 
• Gerald Bickett (Thurston 17) 

FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP FORUM: Originally a subcommittee of the Fire Protection Policy Board (which was disbanded by the Legislature in 2010), the Forum consists of several statewide fire service organizations whose purpose is to discuss issues and work together on common goals.

• Chair: Dave Ellingson (Poulsbo Fire Department)
• Jack Hensley (Spokane 4)

FIREFIGHTER TECHNICAL REVIEW (L&I): Created in statute, the WFCA holds two of several positions on this committee which are appointed by the Director of the Department of Labor & Industries. The committee provides technical assistance to L&I when an inspection or investigation of an emergency response situation reveals potential violations of firefighter safety or health standards.

• David Ellingson (Poulsbo Fire Department)
• Tom Sutich (Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One)

HEALTH CARE: (officially known as the Insurance Rate Stabilization Reserve Account, or IRSRA, Committee): Appointed by the WFCA Board, the primary functions of the IRSRA, or Health Care, Committee are management, investment and security of the reserve funds generated by the WFCA from the statewide health care contract for fire districts and regional fire authorities. Currently, the Health Care Committee also serves as the Insurance Committee, whose task is to pursue and investigate various insurance matters pertinent to the operation of the WFCA and fire service programs and report findings to the Board.

• Chair: Jack Hensley (Spokane 4)
• Gene Carmody (Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue)
• Ken Eakin (Yakima 12) 
• Brad Lothspeich (Clark 6)
• Gerald Bickett (Thurston 17) 

LEGISLATIVE: Committee that reviews the legislative needs of the WFCA and its membership and monitors interim proposals. The legislative chair works directly with the executive director during session on day-to-day legislative activity. One committee member is appointed from each region of the state.

• Chair & Region 9 Representative: Gerald Preuss (South Kitsap Fire & Rescue)
• Region 1 Representative: Jack Hensley (Spokane 4)
• Region 2 Representative: Todd Blackman (Franklin 3)
• Region 3 Representative: Tim Freeman (Royal Slope Fire Rescue & EMS)
• Region 4 Representative: Jeff Myers (Kittitas 7)
• Region 5 Representative: Jerry Evans (Camano Island Fire & Rescue)
• Region 6 Representative: Anita Sandall (King 10)
• Region 7 Representative: Brandon Faust (Thurston 6)
• Region 8 Representative: Roy Rhine (Clark 5) 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EMERGENCY & FIRE OFFICIALS (NAEFO): An association whose purpose is to help emergency and fire officials with local and national issues.

• WFCA Representative: Lee C. Boling (Spokane 8)

NOMINATING: Standing committee responsible for presenting nominees for Officer and Board positions to the membership. A WFCA past president serves as chair; members of the committee consist of at least five active members of the association representing a majority of regions. 

• Chair: Brad Lothspeich (Clark 6)
• Kim Fischer (Shoreline Fire Dept)
• Gary Skok (Stevens 4)
• Gerald Preuss (South Kitsap F&R)
• Paul Messner (Central Whidbey Island F&R) 
• Dan Bivens (Thurston 8)
  
   

PARLIAMENTARIAN:

• Brian Snure (Snure Law Office)

SERGEANT AT ARMS:

• Jerry Bragg

SUCCESSION & STRATEGIC PLANNING:  This committee is responsible for advising the Board on future succession and strategic planning regarding association leadership. This committee will meet as needed. 

• Chair:  Lee Boling (Spokane 8)
• Les Riel (Yakima 4)
• Gerald Bickett (Thurston 17)
• Brad Lothspeich(Clark 6)
• Ed Widdis (South County Fire)
• Patrick Burch (Spokane Valley)
• Roger Ferris (WFCA Staff) 
• Anne Deligeannis (WFCA Staff) 
• Jordon Murray (WFCA Staff) 
  
• Tori Pettis (WFCA Staff) 
• Wendi Hill (WFCA Staff) 
   

The majority of committee members are selected by the WFCA President and most terms are effective January 1 through December 31 of each year. If you are interested in committee membership, please contact the WFCA office at wfca@wfca.wa.gov.