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Join us at the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) Conference and Expo for the premier opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, prioritize agency safety, and network with industry leaders. Our event assembles top-notch, nationally known speakers to tackle critical issues facing modern fire chiefs, from operational tactics to public policy advocacy.
Experience unparalleled networking opportunities with fire service professionals from across the state. In addition to an evening of networking with fire businesses critical to the fire service, enjoy a Banquet at the beautiful Ohme Gardens. Don't miss this essential forum for professional development and collaboration.
Explore the 2026 Speaker Lineup, and be sure to register early for this event.
Hotel Accommodations
The WFC has room blocks available at the following hotels:
May 18, 2026 13:00 - 13:15 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:161
Welcome for all attendees.
General Session: Motivated To Burn Out: How Misaligned Motivation Derails Performance
May 18, 2026 13:15 - 14:15 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:154
Speaker: Brian Hite
In this talk, Brian Hite, PhD explains why highly capable, deeply committed leaders often lose energy, engagement, and effectiveness over time—even when they remain motivated. Rather than treating burnout as exhaustion or loss of drive, this session presents burnout as the result of predictable misalignments between motivation, values, and working conditions.
Chiefs are introduced to a clear framework for understanding motivation—how belief, meaning, and perceived cost interact to shape effort—and how different sources of motivation influence long-term performance. The keynote also defines burnout in precise terms and shows how it develops when key conditions such as workload, control, reward, community, fairness, and values fall out of alignment.
The intent of this session is to give leaders a shared language and a shared lens: one for diagnosing motivation and burnout accurately, recognizing patterns before performance erodes, and understanding what must be aligned for effort to remain sustainable over time. This keynote sets the foundation for deeper application in the breakout session.
Bio:
Brian Hite, PhD is a veteran Hollywood stunt performer with more than 100 film and television
credits, including The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Haunted Mansion, The Iron Claw, and the new Superman. He’s currently doubling Chris O’Donnell on 9-1-1: Nashville and served as Nick Offerman’s stunt double on the recently released movie Sovereign. A Screen Actors Guild Award winner for performances on the TV show 24, Brian has spent over 30 years performing in environments where the stakes are high and the margins for error are thin.
Brian also holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and a Master’s in Sport Psychology. For
more than a decade, he trained U.S. Army soldiers in performance and resilience whether under fire at work or at home. Brian is also a faculty member at Grand Canyon University where he serves as a Senior Dissertation Chair in the College of Doctoral Studies, cohost of the Poking Holes in Blinders podcast, and author of Begin Again: Utilize the Wisdom of Eastern and Western Ideologies to Achieve Your Full Potential.
Through his organization, Brian Hite Global, Brian helps leaders and teams eliminate pressure, dismantle stress, reignite drive, and sustain performance in environments where the stakes are high and outcomes carry real weight. His FACTs™ framework—Focus, Arousal, Confidence, Tenacity— offers a clear, trainable system for staying composed, capable, and effective in the moments that matter most.
He doesn’t just help people perform better—he shows them how to stop cracking under pressure, stress, and burnout that never needed to exist in the first place.
Memorial Service
May 18, 2026 14:15 - 14:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:170
Living Through Change: Supporting Staff Through A Cancer Diagnosis
May 18, 2026 15:00 - 17:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:54
Speakers: Pat Ellis & Chris Gorman
Most of us know a loved one, a friend, or a co-worker who has had their world turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis. And unfortunately, due to exposures on the job firefighters are at a greater risk of cancer than the general population. In this session, Pat Ellis and Chris Gorman will share some important principles in how to care for someone going through a cancer diagnosis and/or death.
Bio: Chris Gorman is the Director of Support Services at Lacey Fire Department. This is a new division aimed at serving the behavioral health needs of firefighters, medics, administration staff, their families and the Lacey community. Prior to Lacey Fire, Director Gorman was in vocational ministry for over 28 years in a variety of roles. In addition he is an on-call chaplain at the fire department, a Faculty Mentor at Kairos University and is currently getting his doctorate in Cultural Engagement. He is married to his wife, Kristi and has three kids. He loves hiking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Volunteer Recruitment & Retention
May 18, 2026 15:00 - 17:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:44
Speaker: Ian Travitzky & Ashleigh Young
Becoming the Department Volunteers Choose
Volunteer recruitment is no longer about filling empty seats; it’s about building an organization people are proud to join. This session explores how culture, leadership, training standards, public engagement, and internal expectations shape whether your department becomes a destination or a last resort. Chiefs will leave with practical strategies to shift from reactive recruiting to intentional attraction. To include a round table discussion following presentation.
Bio:
Ian Travitzky serves as the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator with Whatcom Co. Fire District 1. With experience in operations, teaching, and community engagement, he focuses on strengthening volunteer sustainability and organizational performance. Ian is passionate about sharing practical strategies that improve recruitment, retention, culture, and long-term readiness. His work centers on helping departments build systems that equally support their members and their mission.
Ashleigh has spent the past six years serving the fire service in a variety of impactful roles and currently serves as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for Stevens 1 Fire-Rescue, north of Spokane, Washington. For the last three years, she has led a highly successful volunteer program for Stevens 1 and also serves as Vice Chair of the WFC Recruitment and Retention Committee. Prior to her current role, Ashleigh supported emergency operations as a dispatcher with the Spokane Fire Department.
NERIS Update & How To Use The Data
May 18, 2026 15:00 - 17:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:46
Speaker: Tom Jenkins
The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) has changed the landscape of fire and emergency response data input and analysis. Listen to the latest updates, insights and key findings that can help your department stay informed and aware of this powerful project as it shapes the fire service.
Bio:
Tom Jenkins serves as a Senior Advisor / Research Manager for UL Fire Safety Research Institute on the NERIS project. Prior to joining the NERIS team, he was the Fire Chief for the City of Rogers (AR). In that capacity he led over 160 career firefighters and successfully attained accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. He has served as a professor for several colleges and universities, including Drury University in Missouri and Oklahoma State University. In 2015, Chief Jenkins was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs as the Second Vice President. In 2017 and 2018, he served as President and Chairman of the Board for the IAFC. He continues to serve as the Chair of the President’s Council for that association.
In addition to public service, Tom is a regular presenter at nearly all fire and emergency medical conferences. Chief Jenkins completed his master’s in public administration from the University of Oklahoma and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He has completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and is a designated Chief Fire Officer and Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer from the Commission on Public Credentialing. He currently serves on multiple boards and committees, including the: NFPA Standard on Organization and Deployment of Career Fire Departments Standard 1710, NFPA Standard for Fire Hose Connections, Spray Nozzles, Manufacturer's Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders, Fire Hose, and Powered Rescue Tools 1960, International Fire Service Training Association Board of Directors, PulsePoint Advisory Board, and Science to the Station Board. His service also includes appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, where he served from 2020-2021 and the FEMA National Advisory Council where he served from 2023-2025.
Flow Under Fire: Understanding Motivation—and The Conditions That Drain It
May 18, 2026 15:00 - 17:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:43
Speaker: Brian Hite
Flow Under Fire: Understanding Motivation—and the Conditions That Drain It
Description:
This breakout session focuses on how motivation actually works in high-stakes roles—and why highly motivated people can still lose energy, engagement, and effectiveness over time.
The session begins by examining what affects levels of motivation. Chiefs will explore how belief in success, the meaning attached to the work, and the perceived cost of sustained effort interact to shape engagement and persistence. Attention is given to why motivation can fluctuate even when commitment remains high.
From there, the session shifts to sources of motivation—distinguishing between motivation driven by pressure and obligation versus motivation grounded in values, identity, and purpose—and how these sources influence endurance, decision-making, and well-being over time.
After establishing how motivation operates, chiefs will examine how burnout shows up in distinct ways—loss of energy, emotional distancing, and reduced sense of effectiveness—and how these experiences develop when key aspects of the work environment fall out of alignment. The discussion focuses on conditions such as workload, control, recognition, connection, fairness, and values, and how leadership decisions shape those conditions.
This session is practical and applied. Chiefs will leave with a clearer ability to diagnose motivation accurately, recognize when effort is becoming unnecessarily costly, and identify where alignment is needed so motivated people can continue to give their best without being drained by the system they work in.
Bio:
Brian Hite, PhD is a veteran Hollywood stunt performer with more than 100 film and television
credits, including The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Haunted Mansion, The Iron Claw, and the new Superman. He’s currently doubling Chris O’Donnell on 9-1-1: Nashville and served as Nick Offerman’s stunt double on the recently released movie Sovereign. A Screen Actors Guild Award winner for performances on the TV show 24, Brian has spent over 30 years performing in environments where the stakes are high and the margins for error are thin.
Brian also holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and a Master’s in Sport Psychology. For more than a decade, he trained U.S. Army soldiers in performance and resilience whether under fire at work or at home. Brian is also a faculty member at Grand Canyon University where he serves as a Senior Dissertation Chair in the College of Doctoral Studies, cohost of the Poking Holes in Blinders podcast, and author of Begin Again: Utilize the Wisdom of Eastern and Western Ideologies to Achieve Your Full Potential.
Through his organization, Brian Hite Global, Brian helps leaders and teams eliminate pressure, dismantle stress, reignite drive, and sustain performance in environments where the stakes are high and outcomes carry real weight. His FACTs™ framework—Focus, Arousal, Confidence, Tenacity— offers a clear, trainable system for staying composed, capable, and effective in the moments that matter most.
He doesn’t just help people perform better—he shows them how to stop cracking under pressure, stress, and burnout that never needed to exist in the first place.
Fitness For Duty, Regional Wellness Clinics
May 19, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:52
Speaker: Jeff Griffin
Innovative Financing Strategies: Beyond Grants
May 19, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:46
Speaker: Jim Nelson
With fewer grants available, what are your financing options? How do you determine the debt capacity limit for your district? Should you consider a non voted Bond or a voted Bond? Jim Nelson of D.A. Davidson & Co. has worked with over 90 Washington fire districts and regional fire authorities on bond financing solutions to meet your long-term goals. He will provide examples of traditional financing structures, as well as creative financing structures.
Bio:
Jim Nelson is a Managing Director with D.A. Davidson & Co., with 30 years of public finance experience providing bond underwriting or financial advisory services to Washington fire districts, regional fire authorities, cities, counties, and other special districts. He has completed over 600 financings for a par amount in excess of $6 billion. D.A. Davidson serves over 90 fire districts/regional fire authorities in Washington State. Jim’s financing experience includes affordability analysis for non-voted bonds, voted bond levy options, coaching and preparing for a rating presentation, and financing options to achieve a low interest cost.
WSRB Updates: Improvements That Will Impact Your Rating
May 19, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:39
Speaker: Nathan Craig & Robert Ferrell
WSRB Updates: Improvements that Will Impact Your Rating
Over the past year, the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) and Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) have convened a joint subcommittee to review and update the Protection Class Rating Schedule. This session will present the agreed-upon revisions, explain the rationale behind the changes, and outline how they may impact fire department ratings across Washington State. Attendees will gain insight into what is changing, what remains the same, and how agencies can proactively position themselves to maximize their protection class outcomes moving forward.
Chief Nathan Craig
Fire Chief, West Valley Fire Department (Yakima County Fire District 12)
Chief Nathan Craig serves as Fire Chief of West Valley Fire Department in Yakima County, Washington. He began his fire service career in 1994 and has held roles including Lieutenant, Training Captain, Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief. He leads a combination all-risk department serving 90 square miles from four stations.
Chief Craig oversees strategic planning, capital facilities, financial management, and operational deployment. A graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, he is actively involved in regional leadership and currently serves as President of the Yakima County Fire Chiefs Association.
Robert Ferrell, Vice President Public Protection, is an employee of Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) for over 30 years. Major responsibilities include overseeing community protection class evaluations and building code effectiveness evaluations for cities, fire districts, and building departments across the state. Mr. Ferrell is a licensed Professional Fire Protection Engineer with Washington State and currently serves on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committees on Wildland and Rural Fire Protection, Organization and Deployment of Fire Prevention Inspection and Code Enforcement, Plan Review, Investigation, and Public Education Operations and on the board of directors for the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals (WSAFM).
Cori Medrano is the President and CEO of WSRB; she brings more than three decades of insurance industry leadership and experience to the role. As a results-driven executive, Cori’s strategic vision, emphasis on collaboration, and overwhelming commitment to delivering results has brought tremendous value to insurers, fire service professionals, and the communities that WSRB serves.
Lessons Learned: Panel Of Chiefs Who Have Faced Extraordinary Incidents
May 19, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:53
Facilitated by Steve Brooks
From Train Derailments to High Profile Crimes and other “Once in a Career” Incidents, Leaders from across the state will share their experiences and lessons learned from leading their organizations through these high-profile responses and the aftermath.
Global Perspectives & Emerging Threats
May 19, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:18
Speaker: Thomas Jenkins
As fires and other disasters continue to evolve, UL Fire Safety Research Institute continues to work to understand the dynamics and consequences of emerging and traditional hazards. In this session, listen to the latest trends and information that form the focus of UL’s work.
Bio:
Tom Jenkins serves as a Senior Advisor / Research Manager for UL Fire Safety Research Institute on the NERIS project. Prior to joining the NERIS team, he was the Fire Chief for the City of Rogers (AR). In that capacity he led over 160 career firefighters and successfully attained accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. He has served as a professor for several colleges and universities, including Drury University in Missouri and Oklahoma State University. In 2015, Chief Jenkins was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Fire Chiefs as the Second Vice President. In 2017 and 2018, he served as President and Chairman of the Board for the IAFC. He continues to serve as the Chair of the President’s Council for that association.
In addition to public service, Tom is a regular presenter at nearly all fire and emergency medical conferences. Chief Jenkins completed his master’s in public administration from the University of Oklahoma and obtained his bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He has completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and is a designated Chief Fire Officer and Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer from the Commission on Public Credentialing. He currently serves on multiple boards and committees, including the: NFPA Standard on Organization and Deployment of Career Fire Departments Standard 1710, NFPA Standard for Fire Hose Connections, Spray Nozzles, Manufacturer's Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders, Fire Hose, and Powered Rescue Tools 1960, International Fire Service Training Association Board of Directors, PulsePoint Advisory Board, and Science to the Station Board. His service also includes appointments to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, where he served from 2020-2021 and the FEMA National Advisory Council where he served from 2023-2025.
No Small Change: How To Build A Healthy Intentional Culture At Work
May 19, 2026 13:00 - 15:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:158
Speaker: Dr. De Hicks
NO SMALL CHANGE –– Creating an Intentional Culture at Work The professions and trades represented in today’s workplace have blended their work and are more interdependent than ever before. Driven by increased reliance on technology, rapid growth and transitions in the workforce and higher and clearer performance standards, the workplace culture is transforming into a more professional one on every level. This session will highlight the importance of professionalism in all interactions. Participants will address at least: 1. The Power of Social Contracts and how to adapt when they change: Why behaviors matter so much. 2. The T-3 Professional: The valuable and effective person is exceptional in three areas---Technical Skills, Team interactions and Training (continual learning). 3. Pressured Communication: The professional communicates differently, especially when under pressure. 4. The Power of Engagement: Why it is so important, for safety and excellence, that we create and foster respectful engagement. Each of these four themes are described and specific tools are presented, practiced, and mastered enabling the participants to become gatekeepers of the most effective culture possible.
Dr. De Hicks is the Founder and President of the RMC Group of Companies which includes SCGI, a research firm dedicated to improving performance of high-impact, mission-oriented organizations, and the HILT Academy, a virtual Leadership Development School. SCGI’s research, led by Dr. Hicks, has resulted in significant gains in impact and productivity for newly minted and experienced leaders. His research has resulted in breakthroughs in the science of habit formation, effective decision-making, cross-functional, and interdisciplinary communication, conflict management, change management as well as groundbreaking insights into stress management. Dr. Hicks has 40 years of experience in researching, teaching, complex problem solving, conflict resolution, negotiation, mentoring and coaching and strategic change management. Dr. Hicks is a featured speaker at conferences across the United States and works effectively with small and large groups. His firm’s clients have included the Department of Defense’s Command University and Trident Refit Facility, Multiple Police and Fire Departments, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centers, Healthcare consortiums, Universities, Software Development firms, Investment Funds, Broadcast and Print Journalism Enterprises, and International Trade Consortiums.
Limiting Traumatic Stress Injury
May 20, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:51
Speaker: Chris Gorman & Jordyn Craig
In this session Chris and Jordyn will engage participants in discovering principles and strategies aimed at fostering an organizational culture that can significantly minimizing the impact of post-traumatic stress injury in first responders.
Bio: Chris Gorman is the Director of Support Services at Lacey Fire Department. This is a new division aimed at serving the behavioral health needs of firefighters, medics, administration staff, their families and the Lacey community. Prior to Lacey Fire, Director Gorman was in vocational ministry for over 28 years in a variety of roles. In addition he is an on-call chaplain at the fire department, a Faculty Mentor at Kairos University and is currently getting his doctorate in Cultural Engagement. He is married to his wife, Kristi and has three kids. He loves hiking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Jordyn Craig is the Program Manager of Support Services at Lacey Fire District 3. She graduated from Saint Martin’s University as a four-year NCAA Collegiate Basketball athlete, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Shortly after graduating she obtained a Registered Behavioral Therapist Credential and has used this experience in an array of roles throughout her career. She currently serves as a Chaplain for Lacey Fire. She is married to a Lt. Firefighter/Paramedic, they have daughter who was born in March of 2023, she has one stepson, and a mastiff named King. She loves cooking, family, vacations and the boating on the bay.
From Awareness To Action: Building Belonging & Equity In R&R
May 20, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:49
Speaker: DEI Committee
Sherese Gamble & Rachel Carlson
Session Overview
Class Description:
This interactive session explores practical strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention by building cultures where all members feel valued and supported. Participants will examine how bias and organizational culture influence hiring and advancement, then apply tools from the Washington Fire Chiefs DEI Toolkit and Anti Bias Interview Panel Training through guided discussion and hands on activities. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, a clearer understanding of equitable hiring practices, and a concrete step they can implement within their department to improve outcomes and foster belonging.
Bio:
Rachel Carlson is the Fire Chief for Whatcom County Fire District 1 in Washington State, where she leads organizational strategy, operations, and long range planning. With 15 years in the fire service, she began her career as a volunteer in a rural department, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to service and community.
She prioritizes a strong, people centered culture and is passionate about developing leaders at every level of the organization. Chief Carlson holds the Executive Fire Officer designation and is active in the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Washington Fire Chiefs, supporting collaboration and the continued advancement of the fire service. She is currently pursuing her PhD with a focus on public policy and emergency services leadership.
Bio:
A trailblazer whose expertise spans a multitude of industries, Sherese Gamble is known for her ability to drive positive outcomes in challenging settings. Her story is one of leadership and a commitment to fostering inclusive and thriving communities. Sherese joined South King Fire 4 years ago as the Workforce Development Program Manager, where she spearheaded the district's equity programming. She was recently promoted to lead the Human Resources Department. Her mission remains steadfast: to empower individuals to become game changers who excel in optimizing operations and outcomes, making transformative differences. In today's dynamic community and fire service landscape, fostering an equity and community-focused vision is crucial for building an inclusive and resilient workforce. That vision emphasizes the importance of innovative hiring practices that align with the evolving needs of our communities.
Wildland Fire & AI Resources
May 20, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:58
Speaker: Rob Roper
Bob will provide an update on the national wildfire iniatives, ranging from the new US Wildfire Service to the DOI/USFS Consolidation Study to the Technology Roadmap that the WFCA is leading.
Bio:
Bob has been in the fire service since 1977, starting as a volunteer firefighter to the NV State Forester. He has 36 years of service for the Ventura County Fire Dept, last 15 as the fire chief. Served as the NV State Forester and as the WFCA Wildfire Policy Advisor since 2004. He recently served on the National Wildfire Commission.
Collective Bargaining 101
May 20, 2026 08:00 - 09:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:37
Speaker: Richard Davis
This class will provide a high-level overview of the collective bargaining process as it applies to uniformed personnel in the fire service. Unlike administrative personnel, uniformed personnel in Washington State have the right to resolve an impasse in bargaining by engaging in “interest arbitration.” So, we will address not only the bargaining process but also what constitutes an impasse and how an impasse is resolved through mediation and/or interest arbitration process. The following topics will be covered:
Strategies for forming your bargaining team
Ground rules
Comparables: how to select and utilize comparables in formulating economic proposals
Bargaining strategies
The negotiation process
Negotiating traps for the unwary
Avoiding unfair labor practices
Impasse and resolution: mediation and interest arbitration
Bio:
Richard Davis is a principal attorney in the law firm of CSD Attorneys at Law P.S., which is based in Bellingham, Washington. Richard has been representing municipal governments throughout the state (including fire districts, port districts, public utility districts, and cities) for over thirty years. His municipal practice focuses on governance issues, labor and employment, open government, public works, and tax levies. Richard represents municipal clients on all aspects of labor relations, including bargaining unit formation, collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, and employment issues. He also offers clients annual training on harassment and discrimination. Richard has served as a Commissioner on the City of Bellingham Civil Service Commission and as a Director on the Board of the Bellingham Food Bank. He is a regular speaker for various entities including the Washington Fire Commissioners Association, Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce, Washington Public Ports Association, and Associated General Contractors.
FLSA For Dummies
May 20, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:49
Speaker: Aaron Haynes
In this class, we will discuss both the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Washington State Minimum Wage Act, both of which govern the compensation that must be paid to personnel for overtime work. If overtime compensation seems confusing, you are not alone. Even Fortune 500 companies face serious and expensive wage claims by misapplying FLSA concepts. We will try to simplify the FLSA/MWA so that you can identify important issues and ensure your department is handling overtime issues correctly.
Some of the topics to be addressed include:
Exempt employee classification
Overtime tax implications under the Big Beautiful Bill
Understanding the differences between “contractual” overtime and FLSA overtime
Calculating the “regular rate of pay”
Alternative Workweeks: 7(k) exemption for firefighters and 9/80 schedule for administrative personnel
Compensation for “on call” work
Meal/Rest breaks
Remote Work
Comp Time
Compensation for Travel
Bio:
Aaron Haynes is a principal attorney at CSD Attorneys at Law in Bellingham, Washington. He represents fire districts and regional fire authorities across the state, and his practice focuses on labor and employment, governance issues, open government, public works, and interlocal agreements. In employment law, Aaron advises on all areas of employment law compliance, and defends and advocates for employers during investigations conducted by the EEOC, L&I, and the HRC. In his labor law practice, Aaron represents employers in grievance mediation and arbitration, serves as an employer representative in collective bargaining, and advises on unfair labor practices. He also serves as a workplace misconduct investigator for employers and employer counsel. Aaron has spoken at multiple Washington Fire Commissioners Association Conferences, and outside of his work, serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.
So, You’re Exploring Regionalization?
May 20, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:46
Panel Speakers: Brian Hurley, Dustin Morrow, Steve Brooks
If you are considering the formation of a Regional Fire Authority, mergers, annexations or some other form of regional partnership, come hear from a panel of leaders who have gone before you and are willing to share what worked and what didn't and how you can learn from their successes and mistakes.
New & Aspiring Chief Program
May 20, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:55
TBA
This forum is an opportunity to provide networking, support and resources to both new and aspiring chief officers. The goal is to build a meaningful leadership development network that will help those transitioning to “chief” roles be better equipped for these critical leadership positions. If you are a chief officer with two years or less of experience OR desire to mentor those who are, this session is for you!
Aligning Strategy, Operations, And Finances
May 20, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:42
Speaker: Jim Nelson, Brian Murphy & Chief Don Waller, Julia Tesch
What are your organization's long-term goals and investment needs? How can you align community members, elected officials, and staff around what matters most to your success? Join us in talking about how to link strategy setting, operational and financial planning, and bond financing to the maximum benefit. We'll feature speakers from Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 (as a case study) and bring the perspectives of a fire chief, strategic planning consultants, and a bond underwriter/financial consultant.
Bio: Jim Nelson is a Managing Director with D.A. Davidson & Co., with 30 years of public finance experience providing bond underwriting or financial advisory services to Washington fire districts, regional fire authorities, cities, counties, and other special districts. He has completed over 600 financings for a par amount in excess of $6 billion. D.A. Davidson serves over 90 fire districts/regional fire authorities in Washington State. Jim’s financing experience includes affordability analysis for non-voted bonds, voted bond levy options, coaching and preparing for a rating presentation, and financing options to achieve a low interest cost.
Brian Murphy is a Principal at BERK, a Washington-focused consultancy that integrates strategy, policy, planning, and financial and economic analysis to help public and nonprofit agencies position themselves for success. Brian has extensive expertise in strategic and business planning, facilitation, economic development and market analysis, and management consulting. He has worked with many fire agencies and emergency management organizations across the state on strategic, operational, and facilities planning.
Julia Tesch is a Senior Associate at BERK with a focus on policy, strategy, and research. She has conducted strategic planning with several fire agencies across Washington and supported other fire and EMS studies, including multiyear staff surveys and a feasibility study for enhanced regional collaboration among fire and rescue agencies. Julia also draws from years of experience in community- and stakeholder engagement prior to BERK.
Chief Don Waller is an innovative, mission-driven fire service executive with over 35 years of progressive leadership in emergency services, public administration, labor relations, and complex project management. He is recognized for visionary leadership, fiscal acumen, and the ability to drive systemic improvements across departments. Chief Waller has proven success in both union and management roles, with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and sustainable public safety strategies. Currently, Chief Waller is Fire Chief for Snohomish County District 4.
Business Meeting
May 20, 2026 13:45 - 14:45 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:171
Join us for a review of the Strategic Plan and Bylaws updates, as well as officer elections and reports on association activities.
General Session: From Caves To Cocklofts: Psychological Accountability, Leadership & Career Survival
May 20, 2026 15:00 - 17:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:154
Speaker: Dr. Nicole Sawyer
While our bodies have long stepped out of the cave and onto the curbs of our communities, our brains continue to guard us like we just learned to walk on two feet. Our ever-vigilant survival brains keep us safe and effective at our jobs but over the long term our bodies and minds struggle to stay well. We’ll be digging into the psychology of a public safety career. How has the service changed our bodies and minds? What are we doing to ourselves, what do we have to accept, and what can we change? With honest (sometimes harsh) reflection, we will begin to hold ourselves accountable for our own psychological health and build understanding and skills to support the next generation.
Bio:
Nicole L Sawyer, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist in New Hampshire. She has been in clinical practice since 2005 and works exclusively with public safety professionals and first responder agencies. Dr. Sawyer has served for more than 15 years as the supporting psychologist for the NH State Police Peer Support Unit and she provides clinical support for several regional Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams serving both Fire and Police agencies. In addition to her role as an instructor for the NAMI Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program for first responders, she is the professional crisis intervention specialist for multiple SWAT and Negotiation Units, responding alongside law enforcement to community incidents. In addition to her field roles, she provides psychological consultation, assessment, and evaluation for fire, police and corrections agencies. Having reached international audiences with her straight-talking, candid trainings, podcasts and workshops, Dr. Sawyer is best known for taking a direct approach to the psychological challenges faced by public safety professionals and first responders over the course of their careers.
Federal & Local Hot Topics, TIFF, WSRB, GEMT, Fire Service Memorial And More
May 21, 2026 09:00 - 12:00 Fee: $0.00 Seats Remaining:166
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Links to other websites:
We may provide links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for and cannot control the privacy practices of those other sites. Those sites will have their own privacy policy, which may be different from this privacy policy. Please check the privacy policy for each site you visit.
Changes to the privacy policy:
We reserve the right to revise this privacy policy at any time. You will be notified of any significant changes made herein.
Terms and Conditions
By completing purchases with us you agree to have your Credit card and personal information securely stored as part of a payment profile within a 3rd party payment gateway. This securely stored payment profile will be used, when authorized, for automated recurring payments and will allow for easier and faster checkouts. No credit card information is stored within Washington Fire Chiefs (Member365) and all payment data is accessed by way of a secure API. Under no circumstances do we share credit card or personal details.
-Code of Conduct-
Who can access the Washington Fire Chiefs member portal?
Please note that the Washington Fire Chiefs member portal is to be used by members of Washington Fire Chiefs only. Certain workspaces within the member portal will be tailored for and restricted to certain membership types; access to these areas will be determined and approved by Washington Fire Chiefs staff. The Content that is displayed in your member portal will automatically vary based on your user / membership type.
What can be posted?
To ensure all interactions within the Washington Fire Chiefs member portal are safe and friendly, Washington Fire Chiefs staff will oversee the member portal activity and will review, edit, and delete any inappropriate content that has been submitted. This includes abusive or offensive language, spam, malicious files, or other disrespectful contact. To help provide a productive environment, please report any offensive or suspicious activity to Washington Fire Chiefs staff. Please note that not all user-submitted content is representative of Washington Fire Chiefs, nor does it necessarily represent the views of Washington Fire Chiefs, its staff or members.
-Privacy Policy-
Personal information:
Personal information is collected on this website only when you voluntarily submit it by, for example, registering for the website or updating your user profile. We respect the privacy of your personal information. Any collected personal information will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to any person or party, and will only be used to communicate our news, events, and other services with you.
Information collected from your computer or other electronic device:
We may also collect information about your online activities and your computer or other electronic device when you visit this website. This information may include your Internet Protocol (IP) address, domain name, browser type, date and time of your request, and information provided by tracking technologies, such as cookies. This information does not identify any individual. We may also use tracking devices to identify websites that you visit before and after this website. This tracking helps us to understand our users better and to improve our website and the information it provides, and to maintain and administer the website. This tracking does not involve the collection of personal information.
Access and choice:
Keeping your information accurate and up-to-date is important so we can provide you with helpful information and services. You may update, correct, or delete personal information by modifying your user profile. You can choose not to receive information about specific products and services, or any other promotional materials, from us by direct mail and/or e-mail at any time by modifying your communication preferences also located in your user profile.
Links to other websites:
We may provide links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for and cannot control the privacy practices of those other sites. Those sites will have their own privacy policy, which may be different from this privacy policy. Please check the privacy policy for each site you visit.
Changes to the privacy policy:
We reserve the right to revise this privacy policy at any time. You will be notified of any significant changes made herein.
Terms and Conditions
By completing purchases with us you agree to have your Credit card and personal information securely stored as part of a payment profile within a 3rd party payment gateway. This securely stored payment profile will be used, when authorized, for automated recurring payments and will allow for easier and faster checkouts. No credit card information is stored within Washington Fire Chiefs (Member365) and all payment data is accessed by way of a secure API. Under no circumstances do we share credit card or personal details.
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Chris Gorman is the Director of Support Services at Lacey Fire Department. This is a new division aimed at serving the behavioral health needs of firefighters, medics, administration staff, their families and the Lacey community. Prior to Lacey Fire, Director Gorman was in vocational ministry for over 28 years in a variety of roles. In addition he is an on-call chaplain at the fire department, a Faculty Mentor at Kairos University and is currently getting his doctorate in Cultural Engagement. He is married to his wife, Kristi and has three kids. He loves hiking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Jim Nelson is a Managing Director with D.A. Davidson & Co., with 30 years of public finance experience providing bond underwriting or financial advisory services to Washington fire districts, regional fire authorities, cities, counties, and other special districts. He has completed over 600 financings for a par amount in excess of $6 billion. D.A. Davidson serves over 90 fire districts/regional fire authorities in Washington State. Jim’s financing experience includes affordability analysis for non-voted bonds, voted bond levy options, coaching and preparing for a rating presentation, and financing options to achieve a low interest cost. 
