Make plans to attend the 2017 Washington Fire Symposium, presented by the Washington State Training, Safety & Officers Section.  February 25- March 1, 2017; Yakima

We all know that in recent years, some organizations have cut back on conferences and events. It is known that during tough budget times, businesses that continued to spend on advertising and employee training fared better that those that did not. I believe the same holds true fire the fire service, both in public education and firefighter/officer development. 

A great way to engage and be proactive is sponsoring staff to attend the Washington Fire Symposium. Centrally located, this symposium is somewhat close to home or requiring minimal travel. Attending the symposium, in-person, has the following advantages:

• According to FEMA, the Assistance to Firefighters grant program will be opening in the near future.  Typically, they accept grant applications for 30 days.  This isn’t a lot of time to prepare your application.  So I suggest you begin now!

2. Get Set: 

• Determine what the AFG program will fund.  Last year’s guidance will give you a very strong indication of what FEMA will want to fund this year.  Only apply for “high priority” items, as determined in the guidance (medium and low priority items rarely get funded).  Email me if you need a list of the high priority funding items.

• Find a match between what AFG funds and what your department needs:  What are your biggest operational threats?  What equipment do you urgently need to enhance fireground operations and firefighter safety?  If you would like brainstorm your grant request, you are welcome to give me a call.  

Washington State Fire Chiefs along with their insurance broker, Shane Heston of Trask Insurance, are pleased to announce a new benefit to our member departments with 50k to 100k in assessed value.   

Recently WFC partnered with Provident Insurance, a leading insurer for emergency services, to roll out a new 24 hour AD&D Accidental Death and Dismemberment group policy.  This group policy is intended to cover departments that are generally smaller in size and mostly volunteer.  The idea behind this benefit is to be included with membership with WFC and used as an incentive increasing volunteer benefits within both the department and WFC membership.  

We are thrilled to announce our first full line turnout gear contract with Veridian Fire Protective gear, as the result of a recently completed RFP by our Lead Public Agency partner, Public Procurement Authority.

 

Veridian Fire Protective Gear offers a full line of Veridian Turnout Gear and accessories. As a custom manufacturer, Veridian can build gear to suit every body type and situation in the fire industry certified by Underwriters Laboratory to the current NFPA standard.