Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters graduate from training; Governor signs bill to expand benefit for volunteer firefighters

Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, left, Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker, Governor Bob Ferguson, Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, at Governor's bill signing in Olympia.

Two new firefighters and nine additional volunteers are on staff at Chelan Fire and Rescue.

Volunteer Fire Academy graduation was held Saturday at the American Legion in Wenatchee.

"We're looking forward to getting them on board, " said Chelan Fire and Rescue Chief Brandon Asher. "Both of these volunteers are at a station where we've really needed volunteers, and that's at our south shore station."

"We hired two career firefighters earlier this year," the Chief added. "Both of them have been seasonal firefighters for us. They're from the area and know our system, so it should be a pretty seamless integration into helping our citizens."

Ahead of the volunteer firefighters' graduation on Saturday, the two new full-time firefighters finished initial training on Friday at the North Bend fire camp.

"It's always a challenge to recruit but even more so retain volunteers," said Fire District 7 Commissioner Mark Donnell. "I want to give a shout out to our District 12 Rep. Mike Steele. He was really instrumental in getting a bill which allows the volunteers to become a part of the state deferred comp program. I know (Manson Fire Chief) Arnold Baker was a big proponent of getting this thing started. It's just another tool we have in our tool kit to encourage people to get out and help us"

House Bill 1156, sponsored by Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, received unanimous support in both the House and Senate. The bill officially recognizes volunteer firefighters as employees for the purpose of participating in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program, allowing them to set aside a portion of their pay for retirement.

“Volunteer firefighters step up to protect their neighbors — often with little or no compensation,” said Steele. “This bill gives them access to a simple, secure way to save for retirement. It’s one way we can show our appreciation for the time, energy, and risk they take to serve our communities.”

The deferred compensation program gives participants flexibility in how their contributions are invested, with options managed by the state. The new law also ensures that volunteer firefighters won’t lose eligibility for other public pension programs if they choose to participate.

Fire officials have praised the bill as a common-sense step to support and retain volunteer firefighters.

“This change will be a real benefit to Washington’s volunteer firefighters,” said Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker. “Being a volunteer firefighter takes a huge commitment of time and energy. Helping volunteers grow a retirement nest egg through the Deferred Comp Program benefits both the individual and their department. Many fire departments in Washington provide only nominal compensation to volunteers. Allowing that compensation to be directed into Deferred Comp will help with retention by giving volunteers an added benefit for their service.”

Steele said the idea came from conversations with fire service leaders in his district and across the state.

“This bill started with a simple question: how can we better support the volunteer firefighters who keep us safe?” Steele said. “Thanks to strong bipartisan support, we now have a practical answer, one that helps departments recruit and retain volunteers while giving those individuals a tool to plan for their future.”

Two early wildfire season fires were both contained over the weekend. The Derby Canyon Road fire northeast of Peshastin was held to an estimated four acres. The Bear Camp fire burned approximately 44 acres northeast of Tonasket.

Chelan Fire and Rescue suggests property owners create sufficient 'defensible space' around their home and other structures prior to a wildland fire encroaching on their property.

"I really encourage people, if they need help, we're willing to come out and help you," added Commissioner Donnell. "We have tremendous resources that are available to come out and do chipping and all kinds of things. It's something I strongly encourage each homeowner to do and do what you can to protect your property."