Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

17 hours ago

Engineer David Tysdal has been awarded the Idaho Medal of Honor for his actions during the June 29th ambush on Canfield Mountain. Dave’s action saved many lives during this horrific event. The Medal of Honor is the highest medal given in the state of Idaho.

Despite having just been ambushed and paralyzed, Engineer Tysdal’s first instinct was to prevent additional responders from walking into danger. Unable to move his arms, Dave used his chin to key his lapel microphone and broadcast a description of the assailant, request law enforcement, and warn others not to respond to his location.

We are thankful to those firefighters and law enforcement officers that responded on that day and in the weeks after who showed true courage during this emergency response.

*No on-screen interviews will be granted on this topic at the request of the families.

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Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

1 week 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.EDITED TO PROVIDE MORE INFO: 2/20 Update

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 out of the protected LEOFF 1 trust and into a new state-managed account, intended for benefit improvements, but without guaranteed restrictions on how or when the funds will be used. It’s also unclear what will happen to the remaining surplus that is not moved into the new account, this is a key area of concern for us and our advocacy of our LEOFF 1 retirees and survivors.

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 some oversight authority of LEOFF 1 funds would move to be consolidated under state structures that include the LEOFF 2 Board, which has a history of stable management. However, the full extent of that governance shift remains unclear in current language.

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

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Whatcom County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 106

2 weeks 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

3 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

2 months 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