An Excellent Fire Chief Opportunity in Sisters, Oregon

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, Executive Director, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 10/26/2023
I call the beautiful town of Sisters, Oregon, my home, and its undeniably one of the finest places to live in the Northwest. The community here is exceptional, and so is the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. The District’s Fire Chief, Roger Johnson (who also happens to be my brother), is set to retire in July of 2024. The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) is actively seeking a highly qualified successor. If you are a forward-looking Fire Chief who understands the value of excellence and a positive organizational culture, this position could be an ideal match for you. Read on to discover more about this exciting opportunity and gain insights into life in the charming town of Sisters.     read more

Celebrating IAFC's 150th Anniversary: A Legacy of Leadership in Fire and Emergency Services

Author: John Butler, IAFC President & Fire Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
Published: 10/16/2023
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), I would like to reflect upon its rich history and the vital role of leadership within the fire and emergency services. We can all take inspiration from the iconic figures who have shaped our profession. Additionally, I will recommend three key leadership takeaways that you can draw from our history and experiences, and encourage you to remain steadfast in our mission to protect and save lives and property. Achieving this will ensure that the fire and emergency services community remains a beacon of service, courage, and selflessness for generations to come.     read more

WFCA Supports IAFC's Commitment to the Wildland Fire Mitigation & Management Commission Report

Author: Mark Niemeyer, WFCA President & Fire Chief, Boise Fire Department
Published: 10/10/2023
With the final submission of the federal Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report to Congress, the time to act is now… the Fire Service has a decision to make about how it will respond to our nation’s wildfire problem from this point forward. In support of a solution, WFCA had two members participate on the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. Additionally, the WFCA Board of Directors has elected to offer its support to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and its commitment to the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report. Read on to learn more about the key areas we will focus on to mitigate the wildfire crisis.     read more

WFCA Pledges its Support to the FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition

Author: Mark Niemeyer, WFCA President & Fire Chief, Boise Fire Department
Published: 8/30/2023
The challenges faced by firefighters and emergency personnel are unique due to their demanding work, hazardous environments, and trauma exposure. Comprehensive programs are crucial for their well-being. The FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition dedicates resources to improve the lives of those who serve and protect our communities, as well as their families. This Coalition's alignment with WFCA's values and mission encourages us to invite you to delve deeper and actively participate in advancing this important endeavor.     read more

From Dimes to Dollars - Winning the Economic Discussion

Author: Mark Niemeyer, WFCA President and Bob Horton, WFCA Deputy Director
Published: 2/15/2023
Recently, WFCA hosted a webinar with Dr. Anirban Basu, a well-respected economist from Maryland. As Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., a Baltimore-based economic and policy consultancy he founded in 2004, Dr. Basu’s insight into and analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes is highly sought after. Regardless of your rank, understanding economic indicators will help you judge the overall health of your department, division, community and state. Dr. Basu’s 2023 Economic Update is a great way to get started on your journey to understanding. Before you click to listen, read on for an introduction to the material from WFCA’s President and Deputy Director.     read more

Bob Horton Joins WFCA as Interim Deputy Director

Author: Bob Horton, WFCA Deputy Director
Published: 12/13/2022
It is my pleasure to join the great team here at the Western Fire Chiefs Association. It was 1999 when I went on my first ride along, and it changed the course of my life forever! After twenty-two years of service to the community, I now shift my focus to serving the members and partners of our innovative association. A third of my career has been spent in executive leadership positions, working to deliver quality services to the community and provide a safe environment for the workforce such that they could retire physically, mentally, and financially healthy.     read more

Your Connection to Compliance

Author: Scott Miller, President, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 6/10/2021
First responders need partners—those organizations dedicated to finding solutions that enhance our ability to maintain public safety. BRYCER, LLC, is one such organization. Western Fire Chiefs Association is proud to endorse BRYCER, The Compliance Engine. With its long history of working with fire, insurance and Information Technology industries, BRYCER has created a simple to use, state-of-the-art web-based service to accelerate and simplify the collection and utilization of fire and life safety data. BRYCER’s technology will help your department get and stay compliant with adopted fire codes and the law—that means you can focus on mission critical tasks that keep your community safe.     read more

Protect Our Spectrum: Sign the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) Petition

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, Executive Director, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 9/04/2020
I am asking for your help in protecting the 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety. As you are aware, we depend on this spectrum for our radio systems and for our broadband data network needs. That's why it's so important for members of the first responder community to support this effort by signing and widely sharing the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) petition.     read more

WFCA Announces Support of Public Safety Spectrum Alliance

Author: Scott Miller, President, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 8/14/2020
As our industry navigates the myriad challenges threatening public safety, the efforts of the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum will ensure that we are able to solve the pressing challenges of today and prepare for what will emerge in the future. On behalf of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, I am pleased to announce our support of the PSSA. A unified public safety voice is necessary to keep spectrum where it belongs - with public safety. Please take a few moments right now to read how the PSSA will secure a safer future for our citizens, cities and nation.     read more

Swimming Naked: A Financial Reckoning Amidst a Pandemic

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, Executive Director, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 6/02/2020
Warren Buffett is known for saying “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked.” For reasons beyond anything in a fire chief’s control, we find ourselves amidst a pandemic and headed for what’s likely to be a substantial financial setback. We are already working with chiefs who are being asked to cut their budgets immediately by 10% - 25%.     read more


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