Legislative Day in Olympia
Each January, the Washington Fire Chiefs and Washington Fire Commissioners Association meet at the Capitol in Olympia to hear the legislative priorities of both agencies, as well as those of the Washington Firefighters Association and Washington State Council of Firefighters. The morning consists of speakers for the agencies, lobbyists and Governor Inslee. Chiefs and commissioners are encouraged to pre-arrange meetings with their legislators to introduce themselves and discuss any legislative issues they may have. Fire Chief Jim Sharp, Deputy Chief Mitch Sagers, Assistant Chief Karl Roth and Fire Commissioner Dan Rankin all met with Representatives Christine Kilduff and Dick Muri, as well as Senator Steve O’Ban.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue representatives discussed the need for stabilization of the funding for the fire service, improvements in wildland fire resources and mobilization and funding for infrastructure need at the Fire Training Academy facility in North Bend. This was a great opportunity for the fire service to connect with legislators and discuss the needs of those in public safety and West Pierce Fire & Rescue is grateful for the ability to do so.
