Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

23 hours ago

The Washington State House of Representatives passed House Bill 2034 (55–39), authorizing a $2.5 billion transfer from the LEOFF 1 retirement fund to the state’s general fund.For years, there has been ongoing discussion in the Washington State Legislature about what elected officials believe should be done with the large surplus in the LEOFF 1 retirement fund. The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters has consistently advocated on behalf of both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members that if elected leadership chooses to make changes, any money taken should come only from the portion contributed by the state, and that any additional changes should benefit all Washington State firefighters, not just one group.

This year, Washington State is facing a budget shortfall. You will hear debate about why, but here are the facts. Unlike the federal government, Washington State cannot run a budget deficit. The state must create and approve a two-year budget based on projected income and revenue. Over the last biennium, revenue did not meet projections. As a result, the governor and legislature are now required to either cut spending or identify new sources of revenue.

With that context in mind, both parties have argued, pushed messaging, and sought public support from their different perspectives. Now, here we are.

Last night, Washington State House Democrats turned their back on the will of our LEOFF 1 members in Olympia. By a vote of 55–39, House Bill 2034 passed, authorizing a $2.5 billion transfer from the LEOFF 1 fund. That money would move into the state’s general fund and be used for a variety of purposes, despite what you may already be reading online.

To be clear, this transfer reduces the funded status of LEOFF 1 from approximately 160 percent to about 110 percent. The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) considers a public pension fiscally healthy at an 80 percent or higher funding ratio. While that minimum has been debated over time as potentially too low, there is broad agreement that funds should remain at least above that level.

There are now only six active LEOFF 1 members still employed. All other LEOFF 1 members are retirees or surviving beneficiaries. I will not stop fighting to protect those six members and the roughly 6,000 remaining pensioners and survivors in LEOFF 1.

I share the frustration, concern, and uncertainty many of you are feeling. It is important to be clear about where things stand.

First, there are no proposed benefit reductions or changes to LEOFF 1 or LEOFF 2 members in this legislation. That reflects the advocacy of the WSCFF, and I am grateful for that work. If you recall, LEOFF 1 AND LEOFF 2 members received a benefit improvement because of the financial health of our funds in the 2022 legislative session (Voted 48-0), which resulted in a one-time pay out for current retirees, based upon months of service, as well as a 5% increase in years 15-25. Those benefits were earned through effective and consistent lobbying efforts by our WSCFF. While this bill is not law yet, it has moved forward in the process, and both the WSCFF and I will continue to engage to protect our members interests.

One positive aspect is that governance of LEOFF 1 would move to the existing LEOFF 2 Board, which has a strong history of stable management. Any proposed changes to LEOFF 1 would still have to be approved by the Legislature.

At the same time, LEOFF 2 is considered fully funded, which makes this decision by State Democrats concerning. We knew this was a possibility, and we actively engaged with legislative leadership to present clear alternatives and solutions, but this is where they chose to land.

I want to be clear: we will support candidates, Republicans or Democrats, who protect our members and oppose incumbents who seek to take away earned benefits.

This moment is another reminder of why staying involved in politics matters so much. Nothing is guaranteed. No benefit or protection lasts forever without continued engagement, and no single political party supports us 100 percent of the time.

The safety, health, and retirement protections we have today exist because members before us stayed involved and held leaders accountable. It is now our responsibility to continue that work.

If you have questions, please reach out to your WSCFF District Representative or your elected legislators directly. I will continue to share what I know as information becomes available.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay united

#WSCFF #IAFF #IAFF7thDistrict #Pension #WALeg #WAElex ... See MoreSee Less

Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

6 days ago

IAFF Local 106 stands with the Tumbler Ridge community.

We are heartbroken by the tragic events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and join BC Professional Fire Fighters in extending our deepest condolences to the families, students, educators, and all those affected.

In moments like these, we are reminded that the fire service and emergency response community is bound not by borders, but by shared commitment and compassion. We hold in our thoughts the emergency responders, medevac crews, and frontline workers who answered the call with courage and professionalism during an unthinkable day.Our hearts are with the Tumbler Ridge community and the students and staff of Tumbler Ridge Secondary as we offer our deepest condolences to the families of those lost and stand in profound gratitude for the emergency responders, medevac crews, and frontline workers who showed up for their neighbours with such courage today. ... See MoreSee Less

Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

2 weeks ago

🔥 You’re Invited! 🔥

IAFF Local 106 proudly presents the 125th Annual Bellingham Firefighters Ball 🚒🎶

📅 Saturday, March 14
📍 Stemma West – Bellingham
⏰ Doors open at 6 PM | Event runs until 11 PM
🎟 $60 per person | 21+

Join us for a classic Bellingham tradition featuring:
🥁 Live performance by Pipes & Drums
🍽 Corned beef & cabbage dinner included
🎤 Karaoke contest (with a prize!)
🕺 Dancing & fire pit
🎁 Silent auction with hotel getaway packages

This is a Class “A” event — dress up, bring your friends, and celebrate with us!

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-bellingham-firefighters-ball-tickets-1978761183968?aff=oddtdtcreator ... See MoreSee Less

Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

1 month ago

We would like to recognize Bellingham Fire Captain Tobey Stevenson for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions.

Late last year at Edmonds Harbor Square Athletic Club, Captain Stevenson—off duty at the time—immediately stepped in when a pickleball player collapsed and stopped breathing. Alongside cardiologist Dr. Neil Siecke and fellow bystanders, Captain Stevenson performed CPR and used an AED to restart the patient’s heart before emergency crews arrived.

This week, South County Fire recognized those involved with Community Lifesaver Coins for their decisive action. We’re proud to see a member of the Bellingham Fire Department exemplify professionalism, preparedness, and service—on duty and off.Quick thinking made all the difference at Edmonds Harbor Square Athletic Club.

When a pickleball player collapsed and stopped breathing late last year, fellow gym members didn’t hesitate. Several bystanders called 911 and grabbed an AED (defibrillator), while off-duty Bellingham Fire Department Firefighter Tobey Stevenson and cardiologist Dr. Neil Siecke immediately performed CPR.

They used the AED to restart the patient's heart before emergency crews arrived.

“I saw his eyes flicker and he started breathing," Stevenson recalled.

This week, we recognized these bystanders with Community Lifesaver Coins for their crucial intervention.

You don't need to be a doctor or firefighter to help in a crisis. That is the core mission of our ACT First Aid program. ACT (Antidote, CPR, and Tourniquet) teaches these exact skills.

We’ll give anyone the confidence to use hands-only CPR and an AED in a simple, one-hour class that removes the fear of stepping in to help.

Join the 35,000 neighbors who have already learned how to save a life. ACT is completely free and open to all.

Sign up: southsnofire.org/ACT ... See MoreSee Less

Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

2 months ago

Our hearts are heavy this morning.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Washington State Patrol, to Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting’s husband, Deputy State Fire Marshal Timothy Guting, and their family.

Trooper Guting’s life was defined by service, dedication, and sacrifice. Her loss is felt deeply across the entire first responder community.

We stand with WSP in mourning and honor her memory. 💙The Washington State Patrol (WSP) confirms the tragic loss of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting #720, who was killed Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle in Tacoma.

Trooper Guting was standing outside of her patrol car investigating a two-vehicle collision when she was struck just before 7:30 p.m. on southbound State Route 509 near milepost 2, south of the Port of Tacoma. Individuals on scene rendered aid, but the trooper ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The Tacoma Police Department (TPD) is taking over the investigation of the incident.

Trooper Guting, 29, began her career with the WSP as a trooper cadet in January 2024. She graduated with the 119th Trooper Basic Training Class, commissioning that same year on Oct. 30th. In that time, served in WSP District 1 in Tacoma.

Tara’s loss is deeply felt within the WSP family, and especially by her husband, Timothy, who himself serves as a Deputy State Fire Marshal at the WSP Fire Training Academy in North Bend.

Tara Guting was born on July 19, 1996, to Russell and Cheryl Hirata in Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii, and graduated on May 25, 2014. She began a career of service by enlisting in the Army National Guard on Oct. 22, 2014, where she served honorably as a Signal Intelligence Analyst until Oct, 21, 2022. Her dedication to service and commitment to her duties were evident throughout her eight-year military career.

She married Timothy on Aug. 21, 2019, at the Fire Training Academy.

She answered her final call Friday night, marking the 34th time in WSP’s 105-year history that the agency lost one of its own in line of duty.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to Timothy, Tara’s extended family, her friends, her academy classmates, to District 1 Captain Gundermann, and his entire team,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “We will never forget Badge #720 – Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting.

“The sky has poured rain on us all for the past two weeks… And with this loss, now tears flood our souls.”

#GoneButNeverForgotten ... See MoreSee Less

Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

2 months ago

Good Afternoon!

We hope this finds you safe, well, and if you are affected by the flood, on the way to recovery.

We want to provide a clear update on our current operational status and the path forward following this flooding event. At this time, we are fully operational, response ready, and prepared to continue serving our community.

Please continue to use 911 as your needs dictate. Our crews are staffed, equipped, and ready to respond.

At this moment, we are actively checking in with our personnel to ensure that they and their families are safe and supported. Many members of our team served this community while managing impacts to their own homes and loved ones. Their dedication and professionalism under these circumstances cannot be overstated. I am incredibly proud of this team, and it is truly an honor to serve alongside these professionals.

We have formally ended our operational incident command structure and transitioned out of initial response mode and into the recovery and rebuilding phase. Initial response mode focuses on immediate life safety operations such as rescues, evacuations, and urgent hazard mitigation. As conditions stabilized, our operational focus appropriately shifts to supporting coordinated recovery efforts while maintaining full emergency response capability.

Throughout this event and moving forward, we are actively participating in countywide coordination meetings to ensure alignment across agencies and jurisdictions. We are grateful for the support and engagement of our Fire Commissioners who are attending these meetings and for the assistance of our elected officials at both the county and state levels.

I’d like to provide an update regarding the district fire station located at 101 East Main Street. Floodwater did enter the station during the peak of the event. We are now working through appropriate decontamination, insurance, and repair processes to ensure the facility remains safe, healthy, and response ready. Our station at 5664 Lawrence Road doesn’t appear to have been affected and is still operationally ready for response. All of our apparatus (engines, ambulances, etc.) are operational and will be going through appropriate post-incident checks and maintenance.

Because of extensive preplanning and strong interagency collaboration, we were able to have the necessary response and rescue resources in place to promptly meet the needs of our community. Please allow me the chance to give you a snap shot of what was done to fulfill our mission to you and your neighbors.

As soon as it became clear that floodwaters would impact our community and our operations, we immediately deployed a notification team that went door to door in the most flood impacted areas to share information, provide updates, and check on residents.

Through the combined efforts of Prospect Dispatch, Everson Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, and South Whatcom Fire Authority resources, we positioned fully response ready water rescue teams in locations that allowed them to operate effectively around the physical divide created by rising floodwaters. These teams were in place and ready before the flood waters crossed Emerson Road. This ensured we could safely manage a historically heavy influx of rescue calls as conditions evolved.

At the height of the flooding, our Everson fire station (101 E Main) was isolated and began to take on water. As conditions worsened, we were actively initiating our own evacuation and command relocation when water levels began to recede. Once isolated, we were unable to receive additional personnel at the station beyond the initial staffing plan and were temporarily unable to deploy additional resources from that location. This scenario had been anticipated through preplanning. Fire and EMS vehicles were pre staged away from the station, and plans were in place to bring in mutual aid partners once egress was no longer possible. While not ideal these measures ensured uninterrupted emergency response throughout the event.

As part of our response, we requested and were assigned a water rescue team from Thurston County through Washington State Mobilization. State mobilization is the process that allows local jurisdictions to request specialized emergency resources from elsewhere in the state when local capacity is exceeded. We extend our sincere thanks the Thurston County Dive Team, Chief Nolze, our local mobilization coordinator, and his mobilization team for securing access to this critical resource. We understand the Thurston County team was released from our incident and was re-directed to Skagit County. We wish them the best as they serve our neighbors!

We also want to recognize and thank the team at BORSTAR, the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue unit. BORSTAR personnel, with their boats and swift water personnel, joined our water rescue operations serving Everson and Nooksack after the waters crossed Main Street. Historically, this is when we receive over 80 911 calls for rescue in under an hour. As floodwaters moved north, BORSTAR followed conditions to Sumas and seamlessly integrated into rescue efforts alongside the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue teams and Whatcom County Fire District 14, continuing lifesaving work in surrounding communities.

Now allow me a moment to share WCFD#1's gratitude.

We are deeply grateful to South Whatcom Fire Authority, Chief Nolze, Chief Mitchell, and their water rescue team for their outstanding collaboration and support that provided rescue capabilities at the start of flood impact to our district.

We also extend our appreciation to the team at Prospect Dispatch which is part of the Bellingham Fire Department. Chief McDermott and his exceptional team of dispatchers increased staffing and built the communications foundation necessary to ensure consistent dispatching and information sharing throughout the incident. Their work ensured that not a single call went unanswered and that our teams were able to communicate.

We want to share a special thanks to the Everson Police Department and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, including their Search and Rescue division. Unified operations involving rescue boats, overland vehicles, and water rescue teams allowed us to maintain effective operational capacity while preserving availability for non-flood related emergencies. We are grateful for the professional collaboration with our law enforcement partners.

We sincerely thank the Bellingham Fire Department for staffing a medic unit at our Nugent’s Corner station. This support ensured that advanced life support services remained available and allowed crews to continue accessing calls for service as floodwaters disrupted regular response routes. Their assistance was critical to maintaining ALS coverage to the east county during the incident.

We wish to thank Deputy Director Matt Klein of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management and his team. His consistent work, preplanning, and communication were vital to our operations and ensured our needs were met, from supply requests to urgent critical resources. DEM also provided communications support and deployed their communications van to Station 81. Robert Greene’s work with the communications van supported radio traffic, aerial and drone footage, and operational awareness that helped guide response decisions.

We are equally grateful to our local radio volunteers, led by Jim Blattner, who provided real-time road and weather conditions throughout the incident. Their information helped ensure we had a clear understanding of evolving conditions and directly informed how we planned and adjusted our response.

We also extend our gratitude to community partners who stepped forward with time and resources. Nooksack Valley School District provided facilities for temporary sheltering, ensuring rescued residents had a warm and dry place while longer term sheltering was arranged. We also thank The Haven Church for rapidly opening a shelter when access to primary shelter locations was cut off.

Finally, we extend heartfelt thanks to the Gaertner family providing much needed snacks and water and a hot meal when local resources were unavailable, and to Dalton with JPC Domino’s Pizza in Bellingham for delivering pizzas to our headquarters before floodwaters cut off access.

Even in difficult times, there are moments that remind us of the strength of community. We were deeply touched by the outpouring of support, volunteer offers, and encouragement from across our towns, county, state, and nation. Thank you for your trust, resilience, and partnership.

I apologize if I have inadvertently missed anyone in these acknowledgments. Please know that this response reflects the immediacy of ongoing operational demands, and we are committed to providing a more comprehensive recognition of all partners as those demands decrease.

We remain here, response ready, and committed to supporting our community through recovery and rebuilding.

Rachel Carlson
Fire Chief ... See MoreSee Less