| 2025 Conference | 
| .Conference 2025Discover how to invest in your people at every level during our conference in Tulalip. Supporting mental health, fostering a culture of respect, and designing systems that recognize and reward contributions are equally essential. A district that puts its people first creates a resilient, reliable, and high-performing service for the community it protects. If you have questions concerning Conference events, please contact the WFCA office at jordonm@wfca.wa.gov or (800)491-9322. Printable Agenda | Roster 22Wednesday
                                        WFCA Board of Directors Meeting Chinook 2 9:00 am Members are invited to attend the WFCA Board meeting on Wednesday at 9 am. View Current Board. 
                                        Come Network! Orca Foyer 3:30-6:30 pm Please plan to visit the vendor exhibit tables on Wednesday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to say hello to associate members and find out about the latest products and services our vendors have to offer.
                                             23Thursday
                                    Conference Kickoff Buffet Breakfast Orca 1 8:00 - 9:00 am Delegates are invited to the Conference Kickoff Breakfast Thursday morning, hosted by Rice Fergus Miller Architecture, ESIP, Foster Garvey PC, and D.A. Davidson & Company. The WFCA Board and Staff appreciate the generous support of these associate members! 
                                    Conference Opening Ceremonies Orca 2 & 3 9:30 am Members will assemble Thursday morning at 9:30 to officially open the WFCA’s Conference. President Boling will introduce distinguished guests followed by a welcoming address from a local dignitary. Fire commissioners, chiefs and district secretaries that have passed away during the year will be recognized and honored during the memorial service. 
                                    Devin Henderson Orca 2 & 3 11:00 am 
  Devin Henderson is a multi-talented powerhouse: an experienced presenter and seasoned performer, having logged thousands of performances as an award-winning comedian and magician and an in-demand
                                                            keynote speaker. His unique combination of skills and storytelling and his hilarious and engaging interaction are what make him an audience favorite. His clients have included Pepsi, Hallmark,
                                                            Cerner and hundreds more. His performances have been called, "unreal," "unexpected," and "unforgettable" and he delivers the ultimate keynote experience to inspire resilience.   
                                    Your Brain is Good at Inclusion… Except When It’s Not Orca 2 & 3 1:30 - 5:00 pm This workshop provides an innovative, neuroscience-based look at the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces. Using the fields of cognitive neuroscience, social-psychology, and communication (among others), Dr. Robbins
                                        explores the human, hard-wired need to belong – and what happens when that need is not met. He demonstrates how our brain has natural and developed tendencies (e.g. unconscious biases) that can help us achieve goals,
                                        but also lead to unintended consequences, like the exclusion of others who are different than us. He provides listeners with terms and a language that invite people into productive conversations about inclusion
                                        and diversity. In the end, Dr. Robbins shows that the key to battling bias and a cultivating a more inclusive organizational culture begins with a practical understanding of how the brain operates, but ultimately
                                        requires continuous and intentional practice of fundamental skills (i.e., open-mindedness and mindful engagement). With such skills, organizations have a strong foundation for creating and maintaining an environment
                                        that unleashes everyone’s talents and skills.   Steve RobbinsA thought leader and innovator, Dr. Robbins' unique, science-based approach to inclusion and diversity has captured wide acclaim from numerous audiences and organizations across the world, employing
                                                            neuroscience and the science of human behavior to encourage individuals and organizations to be more open-minded, mindful, and intentional about inclusion and valuing people for their unique
                                                            gifts, abilities, and experiences. Dr. Robbins’ HERO Skills (Humility, Empathy, Reflection and Open-mindedness) for Relational Intelligence is being used by many to create more human-centered
                                                            organizations, ones in which the human brain can perform at its best.  24Friday
                                        Planning, Funding, & Communicating Capitol Projects Orca 1 8:30 am - 12:00 pm  Making capital projects happen – such as fire stations or new apparatus –can be a challenge. This is the first time a team of experts have joined together in a panel to walk you through the process from developing
                                            design and cost estimates; identifying the most effective financing tools; and communicating and engaging with your community for necessary funding.   Gunnar GladicsGunnar Gladics is a principal and owner with Rice Fergus Miller Inc. with 25 years of experience working in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction fields. As a former paid on call / volunteer firefighter for two different cities Gunnar focuses his practice on public safety and civic projects throughout the Northwest. Gunnar’s Primary role at RFM is to lead capital facilities planning for local governments in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and includes plans up to $250M in asset improvements.  Liz LoomisLiz Loomis has 25 years of experience in strategic communications, campaigns, elections, and local government to achieve the desired outcomes for her clients. Her company has a 93% win-record for ballot measures that increase revenue or improve efficiency for local governments.  Jim NeslonJim Nelson is a Managing Director with D.A. Davidson & Company’s Public Finance Department. Jim has over 30 years of public finance experience providing bond underwriting services or financial advisory services to fire districts and regional fire authorities, as well as other municipalities in the Washington State. Jim has completed over 600 financings with a par amount greater than $6.0 billion. His financing experience includes affordability analysis for non voted bonds, tax levy analysis for voted bonds, refinancing bonds, coaching and preparing for a rating presentation, and presenting financing options to meet your long-term goals. Jim has FINRA Series 50, Series 52, and Series 63 licenses. Jim has a B.A. from the University of Washington. 
                                        Volunteerism  Orca 3 8:30 - 10:00 am This class will highlight a case study of a successful Fire District/RFA volunteer/Part paid training and incentive program. In todays very busy and complex world, Fire Protection Districts are facing challenges of providing cost effective training to their volunteer/part paid personnel and at the same time meeting the challenges of the citizens they serve. How to recruit and retain your firefighters will be discussed and review some of the innovative ways of regional delivery training offered. Don't miss this unique opportunity to review and discuss volunteer/paid paid Firefighter issues and look for new innovative ways to meet your citizens needs. 
                                        Fire Chief Recruitment -  When you have to do it yourself! Orca 3 10:30 am - 12:00 pm The session will cover the important elements of conducting an in house fire chief recruitment presented by those who do it for a living!  Greg Prothman President - GMP Consultants   Chief Gordie OlsonSenior Consultant Fire Services   Kate HansenOperations Manager - GMP Consultants 
                                        Come Network! Orca Foyer 9:30am - 2:30 pm The popular Eye-to-Eye Exposition offers attendees an opportunity to interact one-on-one with representatives from a variety of state, federal, and non-profit organizations. Participants will also have a chance to win a prize, so be sure to check out the agencies represented at the Expo! 
                                        Business Meeting & Board Elections Orca 3 1:30 pm Friday’s annual business meeting will feature an overview of the association’s financial and operational status as well as committee reports. Board elections will take place from 2:00-2:30 pm. Nominating Report. 
                                        Red Carpet Cocktail Hour & Banquet Orca 1 6:00 pm Come strut the red carpet dressed in your best! Enjoy some mingle time with cocktails before dinner. During the banquet several awards are presented, such as the 2025 Photo Contest Winners, and special recognition is given to commissioners who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service to their districts or RFAs. 25Saturday
                                        Supporting the Frontline: A Departmental Approach to Mental Health in the Fire Service and EMS Orca 1 8:30 am - 10:00 am Explore the unique mental health challenges facing fire and EMS personnel and discover department-level strategies to support emotional wellness. Topics include peer support, on-site mental health professionals, decompression break policies, hot washes, resiliency tools, and culturally competent treatment options. Learn how to build a culture that prioritizes mental health through training, collaboration, and access to the right resources.  Ryan & Brooke Lundquist Dr. Brooke Lundquist, Ph.D., LMHC, Owner, Mental Health Counselor - First Responder Counseling and Consulting  Conference PrepAre you ready for conference? You can start prep now by working on your Memorial Service and Service Awards submissions. Please submit Service Awards and Memorial submissions by October 3rd. Help us honor our amazing fire service! There are several options for lodging available. Make sure to follow instructions to get the group rates. PricingSeveral registration options are available for you to customize your experience. An educational grant program is available to member districts/RFAs whose assessed value is less than $75 million. A limited number of complimentary conference registrations are available. Click here to apply. | 
1/29/2026
Legislative Day - WFC/WFCA 2026