The WFCA IGNITE Symposium - February 11-12, 2025

Author: Mark Niemeyer, WFCA President & Fire Chief, Boise Fire Department
Published: 7/09/2024
WFCA is excited to announce its FIRST annual IGNITE Symposium. This two-day event will feature speakers and events that uphold our tradition of offering exceptional education and networking opportunities that Western is known for. IGNITE embodies the values we cherish: Inspire, Grow, Network, Innovate, Transform, and Educate. We are limiting registration to 250 attendees to maintain an intimate learning environment and establish a reliable annual event that emerging and future leaders can depend on for their professional development and growth. Registration opens today—don’t delay, or you might miss out!     read more

Northwest Leadership Seminar: Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow

Author: Jeff Griffin, Executive Director of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 2/14/2024
In March 2024, the Pacific Northwest will witness a gathering of aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds, all converging for the Northwest Leadership Seminar. This transformative event is poised to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration needed to lead effectively in today's ever-evolving landscape. Aspiring leaders, seasoned professionals, and change-makers are invited to partake in a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment. Read on to learn more about the event and how to register.     read more

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

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

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