Look no further. We are hiring an Administrative Assistant to work with our Community Risk Reduction division.
To learn more about the position and benefits, visit www.vrfa.org/careers.
-Closing date: August 26 at 5 p.m.
-Tentative Interview Date: September 11
Firefighters will be out in the community this afternoon and evening, stopping by neighborhood events in Algona, Auburn, and Pacific. Be on the lookout for us, and be sure to tag us in your photos.
#NationalNightOut
1 - Fire Benefit Charge Renewal. Proposition No. 1 is not a new fee but seeks voter approval to continue using the existing Fire Benefit Charge. The VRFA has utilized this funding mechanism, with an associated property tax of $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, since voters approved it in the 2006 General Election.
What happens if Proposition No. 1 fails to receive voter approval? If it is not approved, the VRFA could impose an additional property tax of fifty (50) cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value for fire protection services under RCW 52.26. With this change, it is likely that there will not be enough revenue to maintain current services.
To learn more about Proposition No. 1 and the Fire Benefit Charge, visit www.vrfa.org.
Ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day or placed in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on election night.
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Roads, highways, and freeways are some of the most dangerous work environments for all first responders. The reason behind crews blocking traffic lanes is to prevent injury to personnel on the scene. We set up a block to provide a safe working space for crews to treat the patients involved, clean up the debris, or fight a fire. When the first emergency vehicle arrives, the driver will park the apparatus at a 45-degree angle across a lane or lanes. Parking at an angle makes it easier for approaching traffic to identify a stopped emergency vehicle. The second emergency vehicle will park just in front of the first emergency vehicle parallel to the work area providing further protection for first responders and patients. You may also see cones, flares, and other visual stimuli used to ensure you have time to slow down and change lanes if needed.
As a reminder, Washington State law requires you to Move Over a lane ----when you can do so safely ---- for stopped fire, EMS, police, utility service vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance or construction vehicles with displayed warning lights.
Safety is our highest priority. We appreciate your patience in giving us the space to work safely.
#MoveOverSlowDown
bridge. The fire was approximately two acres and about 1,000 feet away from the road. The terrain in that area is steep and challenging, but fire crews have extinguished the fire. Green River Road should be reopened soon.
Multiple agencies worked on this fire, including Valley Regional Fire Authority, Puget Sound Fire, Mountain View Fire & Rescue, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Eastside Fire & Rescue, King County Medic One, Enumclaw Fire, and Zone 3 Fire Rehab.
The FBC allows the VRFA to maintain response times and service levels for fire protection, emergency medical aid calls, personnel training, and the purchase of necessary equipment.
On August 6, 2024, voters in the VRFA service area will be asked to consider Proposition No. 1 - Fire Benefit Charge Renewal (FBC) on their primary election ballot. The VRFA has used this funding mechanism since voters approved the formation of the VRFA in the November 2006 General Election.
To learn more about Proposition No. 1, visit https://www.vrfa.org/vrfa-proposition-no.... To learn more about the Fire Benefit Charge, visit www.vrfa.org/about/fire-benefit-charge. You can also call us at 253.288.5800 or email us at AskTheVRFA@vrfa.org.
This information is provided by the Valley Regional Fire Authority and is for educational purposes only.
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It’s not uncommon for a ladder or engine crew to arrive on the scene before an
ambulance. All VRFA firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide Basic Life Support Services (BLS) to the same level as the ambulance. Many EMS calls present situations that cannot be adequately addressed by a two-person ambulance crew. In addition, ambulances frequently transport patients to hospitals (and sometimes out of service boundaries), therefore fire engines and trucks are often closer to medical emergencies and can arrive quicker than an ambulance. Our firefighter/EMTS can assess the patient, obtain vital signs, and perform basic treatments before an ambulance or medic unit arrives.
Fire engine crews also assist in safely moving the patient to the ambulance. Critically ill or injured patients often need to be carried on a stretcher and may even need to be carried down several flights of stairs.
Lastly, because medical emergencies sometimes occur in hazardous environments, such as on a freeway, a two-unit or multiple-unit response provides greater levels of safety for patients, our first responders, and bystanders.
This week he was presented with a service coin representing his commitment to the VRFA and the communities we serve.
Homan began his career with Mountain View Fire in 2000 before joining the VRFA in 2004. In 2017, Homan took a position in the VRFA’s Fire Prevention Office as a Deputy Fire Marshal. Last July, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal. Homan serves on the Station Design Committee as a technical advisor and was named VRFA’s Firefighter of the Year in 2021.
Deputy Chief Tim Day presented Homan with his 20-year pin.
Congratulations, Assistant Fire Marshal Homan!
In Step 3B, apprentices master aid car officer skills, decisions in the field, and to communicate effectively. They learn the roles and responsibilities of company officers and complete exercises and mentoring activities with their company officers. 3B is the final JACTC step in becoming a Firefighter 1st Class.
As noted by their Captain “They both represent themselves, their crews, and the department well. Each demonstrates a strong knowledge of fire ground tactics.”
Congratulations, Firefighter Brooke (on the left) and Firefighter Evans (on the right).
