After going through Fire Ops 101, Mercer Island City Manager Julie Underwood said she has “a whole new appreciation for firefighters.” Mercer Island Fire Department Lt. Ray Austin invited Underwood to participate in a full day of fire training provided by the International Association of Firefighters and the Washington State Council of Firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 4/6/2017 1:15:26 PM - SOURCE: Mercer Island Reporter

The pilot and a passenger were unhurt after a single-engine Cessna missed the runway while landing at the Twisp Municipal Airport Monday (April 3) and flipped upside-down. The accident happened about 2:30 p.m. and was apparently caused by strong side winds, said Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow. Emergency responders from Okanogan Fire District 6 and Aero Methow Rescue Service came to the scene, but were not needed.
- PUB DATE: 4/6/2017 1:08:37 PM - SOURCE: Methow Valley News

The Aug. 1 primary election ballot will feature another go at the fire benefit charge for the Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, Fire District No. 43. According to a release from the fire district, “A Fire Benefit Charge is a fee that is based on a property’s building size and use. It will replace some taxes paid by residents and businesses for the operation of the fire department.
- PUB DATE: 4/6/2017 1:07:28 PM - SOURCE: Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

In accordance with the Washington Fire Chiefs' Bylaws, and the WFC Fire Administrative Support current Protocols, the recommended updated version of the protocols has been posted 30 days before conference. 

If you would like to see a version noting all of the changes, please contact us. Feel free to share any concerns or comments regarding this updated document with us at: wfc@washingtonfirechiefs.org 

The updated protocols will be voted on by members at the WFAS conference in Olympia, Washington.

Exton, PA, April 6, 2017 -- USSC Group announced today the appointment of Mike Bowman as Sales Manager for the organization. 

“We are all very excited to welcome Mike to the USSC Group team.   Mike has been a respected leader in the fire industry for 34 years, ” said Joe Mirabile, President and CEO of USSC Group. “As a Fire Chief, Mike understands the unique needs of first responders. His experience in sales, manufacturing and distribution will benefit all of our customers.”

Mike will report to Steve Toren, Vice President of Valor Sales to continue the expansion of the company's strategic growth plan throughout North America.

"I was very impressed with the quality of the products and the great people at USSC during my interactions with them,” said Bowman. “As a Fire Chief, I have always been a believer in bringing the best possible products to our first responders. I look forward to working with and educating our heroes on the Valor products.”

Bowman has been involved in the first service and fire service industry for over four decades. He has served as a fire chief for 13 years. For the last 15 years, Bowman has served the industry with consistently growing responsibilities and has held active roles in sales, manufacturing, distribution, and customer service. Most recently, he held the position of VP of sales for Smeal Fire Apparatus Companies and Spartan Chassis. He has been active within FDSOA and currently sits on the FAMA Board of Directors.

About USSC Group
USSC Group is a world-class design and engineering company focused on providing safety and survivability solutions to the commerical and military transporation markets.   As a leader in the industry, they continue to develop the most durable and ergonomically designed seats to reduce day-to-day driver fatigue and stress.  The Group consists of different companies broken into 3 segments – seating, fire suppression, and services. USSC Group is a privately held holding company with manufacturing locations in United States, Sweden, and Poland, headquartered in Exton, PA.