Attorney Brian Snure will present a 1.5 hour class that addresses recent developments regarding the classification of volunteer firefighters that may require your department to restructure or refine your volunteer programs.

Attendees will learn how to properly define and manage volunteer relationships, how to prevent volunteers from being classified as employees, and how to comply with Department of Retirement System rules when dealing with highly active and/or highly compensated volunteers.

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Speakers

Brian Snure

Brian Snure is a sole practitioner operating as Snure Law Office, PSC located in Des Moines, Washington.  Brian Snure has represented fire protection districts, regional fire authorities and other special purpose districts including water districts, sewer districts, metropolitan park districts and cemetery districts for over twenty-seven years. Brian also maintains a limited general practice emphasizing estate planning, probate and real estate. He has authored or co-authored numerous handbooks relating to fire districts and departments and has spoken at numerous Continuing Legal Education courses on a wide variety of issues affecting municipal governments.   

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Fire Districts and RFAs need to know how to effectively deal with bargaining units on comparable issues such as salaries, benefits, and working conditions. Labor law attorneys Rich Davis and Matt Paxton will review what the current issues are in labor negotiations and discuss any PERC rulings which may impact your ability as management representatives. Don’t miss the opportunity to discuss and review management/union issues that are in the forefront of labor negotiations in 2023 and the future.

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Speakers

Richard Davis

Richard Davis is a principal attorney in the law firm of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis 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 nearly thirty years. His municipal practice focuses on governance issues, labor and employment, open government, public works, tax levies, and interlocal agreements. Richard represents municipal clients on all aspects of labor relations, including bargaining unit formation, collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, and employment issues.

Matt Paxton

Matt Paxton’s practice focuses on civil litigation and advice, including on matters involving construction, employment, municipal, real estate, and insurance. He represents his clients in both state and federal courts, and speaks to industry leaders on topics such as Contracting on Public Projects and Insurance Coverage and Bonds.

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Lessons learned for the fire service after spending a day at TOPGUN with the Commander. Fire and EMS are struggling with low performance, burnout, recruitment and retention. This discussion covers the history and science of improving performance while reducing stress and error.

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Speakers

Shaughn Maxwell, Psy.M.

Shaughn started as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Eastern Washington in 1988. He has worked in both wildland and urban fire services and was hired as a firefighter-paramedic in Snohomish County in 1996. Shaughn currently oversees a fire-based EMS system that has received national awards for innovation and excellence. He chairs the state pre-hospital TAC, and is on the EMS Board of Directors for IAFC where is represents the fire service on national committees. He holds a master’s degree in human factors (performance) psychology; and presents nationally on the science of enhancing firefighter & paramedic performance and reducing stress.

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Is your fire district facing challenges in providing optimal safety for your community and firefighters due to insufficient funding for essential apparatus, equipment, and fire stations? Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your district's capabilities and bolster morale! Discover how grant acquisition can be the game-changer your fire district needs, attracting more volunteers and equipping your firefighters to respond swiftly and confidently to 9-1-1 calls. Join us in this dynamic and interactive workshop led by renowned fire department grant writer, Michelle Mazzola.

During this workshop, you'll dive into a wealth of information, including: Exploring a diverse range of federal, state, and local funding opportunities specifically tailored for fire district projects. Demystifying the grant application process and learning how to put together a compelling and successful proposal. Discovering the ten key strategies to preparing grant applications that stand-out and increase your chances of success.

Bring your project ideas, your financial needs, and your burning questions, and leave the workshop empowered and confident to pursue the grant funding your fire district deserves. Together, we'll ensure your community's safety is fortified, and your firefighters can respond to emergencies with unmatched efficiency and effectiveness.

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Speakers

Michelle Mazzola

With over 20 years of experience collaborating with 50 Washington fire districts and securing millions of dollars in grant funding, Michelle is ready to share invaluable insights and practical lessons learned. She has a proven track record working with and for the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

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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!

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. View current list of nominations.

Proxy Voting Form

During this event several awards are presented, such as the 2023 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. The evening concludes with entertainment.

Purchase Extra Meal Ticket

On Saturday morning, a plated breakfast will be served during which the 2024 Board of Directors will be installed and administered the oath of office.

Purchase Extra Meal Ticket

In 1984, at the age of 17, a tragic fire changed the life of Kimberly McMurray. She and two others were caught in an explosion where she suffered severe burns to 65% of her body. Tragically, her boyfriend did not survive. Since that incident, Kimberly has epitomized the meaning of resilience, hope and survival by overcoming a tremendous amount of adversity. Her story is inspiring and a tribute to fire fighters and emergency personnel.

This powerful story of strength and courage will illustrate how the impact of others inspired Kim to give back to society after she was given a second chance at life. Experts from the burn foundation will outline how their procedures help save lives and improve quality of life of burn victims. Don't miss this story of courage and inspiration!

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Speakers

Kimberly McMurray

Kimberly McMurray has been involved with numerous organizations including North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR), American Burn Association (ABA), Harborview Medical Center (HMC), Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, University of Washington (UW), National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), North Texas Burn Rehabilitation Model System (NTBRMS), Camp Eyasbsut, Camp Phoenix, Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC), Ryan Stiles Charity Golf Tournament for Burned Children Recovery Foundation (BCRF) and Cornwall Church Salt on the Street.

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