Leadership Team & Past Presidents

Your Leadership Team

Dustin Armitage

Position #1: Dustin Armitage

Board Member

Wenatchee Valley Fire Dept
dustina@wsffa.org

Dustin Armitage Fri, Jun 27, 11:14 AM (3 days ago) to me Dustin began his fire career as a resident firefighter in Cheney, WA in 1997 and is now a Captain with the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department. In his time in the fire service, he has gained extensive knowledge in many fire-related fields, including hazardous materials and emergency medical services. He received an Associate's Degree in Fire Technology in 2001. He is a certified Instructor I, II, and III, a Senior EMS Instructor, a Haz-Mat Specialist, a Fire Investigator, and is ARFF Certified. He has a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with a new generation of firefighters.

Michael Clapp

Position #2: Michael Clapp

Board Member

East County Fire & Rescue
mikec@wsffa.org

Mike started volunteering when he turned 16 with Clark County Fire District # 1. When he turned 21, Mike started volunteering at Camas Fire Department. He became Volunteer Lieutenant, then Vice President, then President. When Mike moved out of the city of Camas, he joined Clark County Fire District #9, which merged with District #1 and became East County Fire and Rescue. After taking a 2 year breather from volunteering, Mike missed it so much he decided to get back in the game and joined Skamania County Fire Dist #4. After 2 years he became a Lieutenant, and later a Captain. Mike just recently resigned with Skamania #4 and is now a Proud member of East County Fire and Rescue, along with an Assistant Chief with North Bonneville Fire Department.

Brian Oberweiser

Position #3: Brian Oberweiser

Board Member

Douglas Co Fire District 1
briano@wsffa.org

Brian started as a Volunteer Firefighter with Douglas County Fire District #1 in 1997, where he holds the rank of Captain/Training Officer. He volunteered as an Instructor and Board member for Region 6 Training Council and served as the President of Douglas County Fire District #1 Firefighters Association for many years. In 2023, he was voted in as the WA State Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. “Firefighting has always been a passion for me. I have always wanted to give back and help others along the way.” In 2017, Brian began working for Municipal Emergency Services Inc. as a Sales Rep., where he spent just short of 7 years. In 2024, he began working for the Washington State Patrol as a Deputy State Fire Marshal, currently assigned to the Regional Direct Delivery program covering Eastern Washington. Brian remains in Eastern Washington where he spends his spare time with his wife and son. “In my opinion, Family is the foundational support unit to the fire service. Without the dedication, support, and acceptance from our families, the Fire Service as a whole would not exist. I owe and dedicate my fire service career to my family, the ones who have made the largest sacrifice of all.”

Jeremie Clark

Position #4: Jeremie Clark

President

Wenatchee Valley Fire Dept
jeremiec@wsffa.org

Jeremie Clark started in the volunteer service in September 1996 and currently is the Volunteer Division Chief with Wenatchee Valley Fire Department.  He was a resident for 7 years as part of the ARFF program residing @ Station 2 Pangborn Airport.  He was also promoted in 2006 to Volunteer Lieutenant and remained in that position until his promotion in 2022. He joined the WSFFA board in June 2014, prior to that, he served as President of the Chelan/Douglas Firefighters’ Association from 2005 - 2015 and 2016 - 2019 holding the position of President and Vice President.  He is a Washington native, growing up in Eastern Washington and graduating in 1998 from Eastmont High School. Jeremie’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, boating, camping, basically anything outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Larry Creekmore

Position #5: Larry Creekmore

1st Vice President, NVFC Rep, Training/Benefits Coordinator

Dupont Fire Dept
larryc@wsffa.org

Larry is an Assistant Chief with the Dupont Fire Department. He began his career in January 1983 with what is now South Kitsap Fire and Rescue. While there he was a volunteer responder, taught Kitsap County recruit schools from 1986 – 2014, and worked in the Support Service Division. After joining the Dupont Fire Department in 2005 as a career officer, he remained active as a training Captain with South Kitsap until January 2015. Over the years Larry has served on several state training committees, actively teaches fire service topics, serves as the WSFFA training manager, and is a Past President of WSFFA.

Bill Ackerson

Position #6: Bill Ackerson

Board Member

Ferry/Okanogan FPD 13
backerson@wsffa.org

Bill started his volunteer service in the fire district in October 2006 at FCFD #13. He has served as a training officer for about 7 years, Assistant Chief 4 years, and 8 years as Chief. He has since hung his hat of any of those positions to Run for Fire Commissioner Pos. #2. He has been serving that position now for the past 3 years and really in joys serving for his District. He is still a volunteer fireman for the District, which is not the only thing he enjoys volunteering for. He also has volunteered in positions for EMS 10 years, GCA private school for of 11 years. Also, he has enjoyed over the years volunteering for sports for his kids and grandkids. He enjoys many outdoor activities and likes to stay very active physically in his daily activities.

Position #7: Adam Micone

Board Member

Pend Orielle Co FPD #4
adamm@wsffa.org

Adam started his Fire Service Career in 2001 in Nevada. He graduated from the TMCC Fire Science program. In 2002 he went to work in the wildfire service, and in 2005 he transitioned back to structure fire departments. In 2011 Adam moved to Washington State and started as a Volunteer with Spokane County Fire District 4. A year later he went to Stevens County Fire District 1 as a firefighter/EMT then moving to a Engine Operator then Lieutenant for the next 8 years. During this time, Adam was also a firefighter/Squad Boss with a National Type 2 IA Handcrew. In 2020 he started helping Pend Oreille Fire District 4 in Newport Washington in the Training Division. In 2021 he was Promoted to Fire Captain/Training Officer. He always believes that no matter if your a Volunteer Firefighter or a Career Firefighter, training is key to mastering the craft.

Position #8: Don Fortier

Conference Coordinator

Grant County Fire District 3
donf@wsffa.org

Don started as a Volunteer Firefighter on his 16th birthday in 1972, 50 years later he retired as Fire Chief for Grant County Fire District #3. Throughout his year in the fire service, he served every position from Firefighter to Fire Chief. He has served the WSFFA as their representative to the L&I Stakeholders Committee that rewrote the Firefighter Safety Standards. He continues to serve the Association as their representative on the L&I Technical Review Committee, and the representative to the WFC which he served on for 6 years during his career. Don likes to travel, spend time with his family and two beautiful young granddaughters, he enjoys spending time at any beach. I am pleased to be a member of the WSFFA. Throughout my career, I have always tried to make the voice of Volunteer Firefighters heard, and believe this is the best way to continue working for the Volunteer Firefighters of Washington State.

Position #9: Howard Scartozzi

2nd Vice President

Wa State Fire Marshals Office
howards@wsffa.org

Howard has 39 years of volunteer fire service operational, training, and administrative experience; serving with district & municipal fire departments, industrial emergency services, and the Washington State Fire Training Academy. Howard has spent the past 12 years at the Washington State Fire Training Academy as an instructor, Firefighter Recruit Academy Coordinator, and Chief of Instruction. As a Chief Deputy, he is currently assigned to the development and implementation of a Statewide Regional Direct Delivery program which includes coordination of National Fire Academy courses, and Firefighter and Hazardous Materials training.

Position #10: Julie Johnston

Treasurer

Lewis County Fire District 6
juliej@wsffa.org

Julie Johnston volunteers with Lewis County Fire District #6 near Chehalis. In her 30 years of service, she has risen through the ranks from firefighter to Captain and EMT-A. Julie is responsible for ongoing EMS training. She was named the 2014 EMS Responder of the Year for Washington State.

Position #11: Dave Neff

Board Member

Franklin County Fire District 3
daven@wsffa.org

David started in the volunteer fire service in 1991. He is a husband and father. David has served many roles in his community, such as reserve deputy, and many boards for county and state organizations. David has served on the WSFFA Board of Directors since 2015.

Position #12: Jerry Pettit

Secretary

Kittitas Valley Fire Dept
jerryp@wsffa.org

Jerry started his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1990 with Kittitas County Fire District 2. The District and City of Ellensburg became Kittitas Valley & Rescue on January 1, 2007. He retired as Captain of Volunteer Station on October 22, 2021, after 31 years. Jerry became a Commissioner for KVFR on January 1, 2022. He also serves on the Kittcom Board, the county emergency dispatch center. He retired from the position of Kittitas County Auditor on December 31, 2022, after 18 years. He enjoys travel, camping, fly fishing, and time with family.

 

Past Presidents


Pursuant to tradition, WSFFA acknowledges and honors its leaders of yesterday in several fashions.
  • Leader: the person who leads or commands a group or organization.
  • President: an officer appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of persons.
From our inception in 1923, the Washington State Firemens Association, now the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association has been blessed with leaders (rising to possessing presidential command qualities.)  Some have gone on to become leaders of other State and National fire service organizations, committees, Government appointments, and successful fire service careers.

Our leaders of the past have been tremendously involved and influential on many levels.  Their contributions are endless resulting in having served the local volunteers (and otherwise reached those through national and worldwide efforts.)  We salute the selfless service of the many we once called Mr. President.
 
  • Board of Volunteer Fire Fighters Board (1) (Gubernatorial appointment)
  • Fire Chief Magazine's 1999 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year (1)
  • Fire Service Training Advisory Board (1)
  • Emergency Responder Safety Institute Advisory Group (1)
  • International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Committee (1)
  • King County Fire Chief’s Award (1)
  • National Benefit Summit Venue Chair (1)
  • National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (1)
  • NFPA Volunteer Organization and Deployment Standards (1)
  • NFPA Traffic Control Management Professional Qualifications Standards Secretary (1)
  • NVFC Chairman (1)
  • NVFC Directors (4)
  • NVFC Legislative Chair (1)
  • NVFC Wildland Committee Chair (1)
  • NVFC EMS/Rescue Section Secretary (1)
  • NVFC Representative to the World Federation of Volunteer Firefighters (1)
  • Transportation Safety Advancement Group (1)
  • Transportation Research Board Subcommittee on Emergency Responders (1)
  • Washington Firefighters Training & Education Fund (8)
  • Washington Fire Chiefs Association President (3)
  • Western Fire Chiefs Association President (1)
  • Washington State 911 Advisory Committee (1)
  • Washington State Fire Protection Policy Board (FPPB) Chairman (1) (Gubernatorial appointment Member (2)
  • Washington State FPPB Master Plan Workgroups (4)
  • Washington State FPPB Certification & Accreditation Committee Chair (1) Committee (2)
  • Washington State FPPB Training & Education Committee (2)
  • Washington Traffic Incident Management Coalition Chair (1) Committee (2)
  • Washington Widows and Spouses Board (1)

Of all Presidents, there have been too many promoted to Fire Chiefs to track


Past Presidents: In Memoriam

Rest In Peace, Faithful Servants

President # Name Year Passed
59 Robert Conner 2018
77 John Ostergard 2018
61 Mark Kammers 2020
41 Robert Ely 2021
69 Robert Reichel 2022
71 Ron Roy 2023
54 Wayne Britton 2024
 

Past Presidential Biographies

Andrew Schaffran

2015–2017

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Member of the Association board since 2011.
  • Served as Association President from 2015–2017.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Started at Cowlitz County FD 3 in 1990.
  • Served as Company Officer, Command-Level Officer, and Fire Chief.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration and graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

Ron Roy

2003–2005

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Changed telephone soliciting companies; a great financial move for the association.
  • Purchased the Fire Blast trailer and provided live fire training around Washington State.
  • Appointed as Washington NVFC Director in 2004.
  • Served as Benefits Coordinator since 2006.
  • Served as National Benefit Summit facilitator.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Joined Chelan County Fire Dist. 1 in 1973, served for 20 years, then moved to Douglas County Fire District.
  • Became Division Chief over both departments in 2020; formed Wenatchee Valley Fire Department RFA in 2022.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Retired from work in May 2019.

Timothy McKern

2001–2002

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Strived to be a leader for the volunteers with an eye on the prize. Always kept the mission/vision of the fire service out front.
  • Honored to bring forth the mission/vision of the WSFFA externally; to be the direct contact with fire service stakeholders.
  • Serviced as Vice President and President between 1995 and 2002.
  • Recruitment and Retention programs and grants.
  • Training and education the fire service of tomorrow.
  • Voice in Olympia/Washington DC for the fire service and volunteers.
  • Strived to keep volunteers informed as it relates to legislative matters, working with stakeholders, NVFC, WFC, WFCA WCFF to increase positive relationships.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • 45 years in the fire service, currently as Chief.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Continue with the Recruitment/Retention training and grants. We are losing volunteers daily. We have to be the leader and help set direction.

Lloyd Hazzard

1993

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Renewed efforts with the WSFFA conference Make & Break and Hose Evolutions.
  • Reno night in Yakima.
  • Assisted with the Firefighters Memorial at North Bend.
  • Being a part of the WSFFA made me a better leader. Upon leaving the WSFFA board, became chairman of the Washington State Training and Safety Association for more than 15 years.
  • Master Stream magazine publishing.
  • Legislation for the Volunteer Firefighter license plate with help from T.J. Nedrow.
  • Helped improve the training center at North Bend.
  • Always promoted the WSFFA Fire School.
  • Championed efforts in Olympia for improvements to the North Bend Fire Training Center.
  • Served on the Board from 1983 through 1993 as Treasurer, 2nd Vice President, and President.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Proud to be the recipient of the Pop Weaver Award for Captain of the Hose Evolution Team.
  • 33 years in the fire service, retired as Deputy Fire Chief.

Jack Quien

1989–1990

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Member of the Association Board from 1980 – 1996.
  • Served as Association President from 1989-1990.
  • Chairman of the Fire Service Training Center campground committee.
  • Worked to help pass legislation to create the Fire Protection Board (Fire Service funding).
  • Helped revise the Annual Fire School and started the “Brainstorming after Fire School” effort.
  • Worked on increasing WSFFA membership.
  • Introduced WSFFA logo clothing.
  • Served on Washington State Fire Protection Policy Board Firefighters Standards Committee.
  • Helped initiate the volunteer firefighter license plate effort.
  • Helped develop the WSFFA phone tree and department representative program.
  • Emphasized and encouraged good communications with other fire service organizations (WSCFF, WFC WFCA, and local fire departments).

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Served as Station Chief for Grays Harbor Fire Dist. #2 from 1971 to 1996.
  • Several accomplishments: procuring new equipment and apparatus upgrades, new procedures, training, and station upgrades.
  • Awarded Community Firefighter of the Year.
  • Served as President of the Grays Harbor County Fire Chiefs’ Association.
  • Promoted good relationships with fire departments throughout the county.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • The Fire Service has had a positive impact on my life. Together, we accomplished our goals by practicing problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Most important are the lifelong friendships I have made with the best people.

T.J. Nedrow

1996, 1998, 2007–2009, 2013–2015

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Fire Protection Policy Board Certification Committee Chair; led establishment of WA State fire service certification and accreditation.
  • WSFFA Project Administrator: Created volunteer firefighter license plate and financial stability of the WSFFA Benevolent fund.
  • Volunteer representative to Governor’s Fire Protection Policy Board for 12 years, 5 as Chairman.
  • Co-Founder and Chairman of the Washington TIM Coalition.
  • Leadership participation in WA State Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial since 1991.
  • Current Association President Emeritus and Secretary.
  • Held roles including Board of Trustees, Legislative Chairman, WFC Recruitment & Retention Committee, WA State 911 Advisory Committee, WA Fallen F/F Foundation.
  • Appointed 2002 Washington Director to National Volunteer Fire Council, serving as Secretary of EMS/R Section, Legislative Committee Vice-Chair, and committee member for Standards & Codes, Behavioral Health, Communications & Technology.
  • Volunteer Firefighter representative to NFPA 1720 & 1091, Transportation Research Board Subcommittee, CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute Board.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Recognized by WSCA and WFCA for decades of leadership and partnerships.
  • Trained countless volunteers who succeeded in firefighting careers.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Current goal: Fulfill efforts with a formal and permanent Washington Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Edwin Johnson

1985–1986

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Instructor for Annual Fire School classes: “The Firefighter and Electrical Hazards” and “The Firefighter and Radiation Hazards.”
  • Helped initiate volunteer firefighter license plate effort.
  • Produced WSFFA magazine “Masterstream” to keep members informed.
  • Attended Oregon Volunteer Associations conference to gather ideas.
  • Served as 2nd VP in 1982, 1st VP in 1983/4, President 1985/86, Secretary 1985-1995.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Served 3 terms on Washington State Board of Volunteer Firefighters.
  • Presented at Chief’s Conference as part of leadership discussion group.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Would like the Association to represent both volunteer and career firefighters.
  • Recommend bringing back competitions for hands-on experience and camaraderie.

Wayne Garden

1983–1984

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Helped build the Washington State Fire Training Center; Association part of plaque installation.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Volunteered at Parkland Fire Department starting in 1972 after Vietnam military service.
  • Hired as 6th career firefighter at Parkland Fire.
  • Served in board positions for Puget Sound Fire Fighters Association, including president.
  • Appointed to Advisory Board for forming North Bend Fire Training Academy by Governor Dixie Lee Ray.
  • Helped form Central Pierce Fire & Rescue; training tower dedicated in his honor.
  • Incident commander for Pierce County Type 3 team until retirement.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Married 50 years, two sons, and two grandchildren.

Fred Allinson

1980

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Led volunteer and WSFFA representation at the State level.
  • Served 17 years as WSFFA Conference Supervisor.
  • Appointed by Governor in 1986 to WA State Fire Protection Policy Board until 1992.
  • Founding Board Director of National Volunteer Fire Council (1987); Board Chairman 1995–2001.
  • Association Board member 1973–1983.
  • Fred Allinson Scholastic Award named in his honor.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Named Fire Chief Magazine’s 1999 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year.
  • Served as Battalion Chief and Volunteer Coordinator at North Highline Fire District until retirement.

Wayne Britton

1978

Highlights during WSFFA tenure

  • Appointed Associate representative to The National Volunteer Fire Council.
  • In charge of WSFFA competitive drills at Annual Fire School for 3 years.

Highlights during firefighting career

  • Served from 1948 as volunteer with Burien Fire Dept until retirement from King County Fire Dist. 2 as Fire Chief in 1979.
  • Paid firefighter at King County Fire Dist. 2 in 1960; advanced to Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief in 1974.
  • Instructor at Fire Service Training.
  • Participated in Make & Break and Hose Evolution drills at Annual Fire School and area competitions.
  • Started King County Medic 1 and served as Administrator for 3 years.
  • Served 2 years as member of King County Fire Chiefs Association.

Anything else you would like to add?

  • Enjoyed camping, water skiing, and time with family at Lake Limerick in Shelton, WA.
  • Spent winters as snowbirds in Arizona for 20+ years; recently moved to live year-round at Lake Limerick.