State Sen. Christine Rolfes has been awarded the 2018 Honorary Fire Chiefs Award for her work to fund firefighter training and wildfire response during the 2018 Legislative Session.
Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) is a 23rd District lawmaker, and the award is given by the Washington State Fire Chiefs to legislators who have made a significant contribution to the fire service and demonstrated courage in leadership.
As chair of the Senate Ways & Means Committee in 2018, Rolfes secured key funding for firefighter training and wildfire prevention and response, according to the association. This funding helps support firefighters who have already responded to hundreds of wildfires this summer as the governor recently announced an emergency proclamation for all 39 counties for the threat of wildfire.
Rolfes also sponsored important legislation to protect the men and women on the frontline, including a bill that adds insurance coverage for post-traumatic stress disorders of first responders and a measure banning certain firefighting foams containing toxic chemicals.
“Sen. Rolfes has always been engaged with the firefighting community and she really listens,” said Wayne Senter, executive director of the Washington State Fire Chiefs. “This award represents our gratitude for her public service and leadership in keeping our communities and firefighters safe.”.
Past honorees of the Fire Chiefs Award have included former U.S. Sen. Gorden Walgren and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer.