Dear Captains and Firefighters,
The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) and Local 1352 have reached an agreement regarding the process for allocating annual leave slots on “Desirable Dates”, when a member retires, moves shifts, and/or takes a days assignment – or any other action initiated by the VRFA. To be eligible under this process the member must be in regular, debit, or STO work status. Therefore a member cannot forecast and make a shift trade working to get the day off.
“Desirable Dates” are defined as those days on which five annual leave slots have been taken. For example, with Captain Astley’s upcoming retirement, seven “Desirable Dates” will have one slot available. When there are less than five this process will not take place and it will be first come, first served.
Our current plan aims to establish a fair and equitable process for all members. This plan builds upon the annual bid process utilized this past year through Telestaff.
For example, during the annual bid process as members prepare to submit their annual leave requests based on seniority, they may notice certain dates marked as “unavailable.” In such cases, the VRFA and Local 1352 agree that the next member with the lowest seniority number will have the first opportunity to claim the available slot.
**For instance, on July 7, 2025, if (10) Wholmacher, (23) Coleman, (34) Astley, (55) Rusler, and (68) Claiborne have secured their leave for that date during the bid period, the next eligible member, (69) Simpson, would have the first right to the opening. Priority would move down from that member, in order to the least senior member on that day. If the slot remains unfilled, priority would move to the most senior member working that day and move down until the slot is filled, or all eligible members have been notified and the slot remains unfilled.
If the date is paged out and the window for submitting annual leave requests closes without anyone securing the fifth slot, it will then be available on a first-come, first-served basis to all members on the schedule.
We are committed to finding fair and equitable ways to operate. Moving forward, we aim to identify “Desirable Dates” that may arise when a member retires or is reassigned shifts mid-year, thereby creating openings.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
Tyler Eliason & Ryan Freed
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This message is a reminder of Chief Mack’s memorial and my chance to share a few words about our friend, mentor, and longtime union leader.
Bill was so much more than a firefighter—he was a champion for all of us. As the 8th District Representative for the Washington State Council of Firefighters, Bill fought tirelessly to improve firefighter health, safety, and labor rights. He believed deeply in the mission of the union and never backed down when it came to protecting the well-being of our members.
Bill dedicated his life to the fire service. He was a leader on the fireground, a respected teacher of CPR and EMT skills, and a driving force behind regional training efforts. He believed in leaving the job better than he found it—and he did exactly that.
Many of us also knew Bill for his bigger-than-life personality. He was the loudest voice in the room, the quickest to crack a joke, and the first to plan a good time—especially our annual “shopping trip.” His humor was legendary… and often inappropriate in all the best ways. If you know, you know. That was Bill.
He was also a fixture at community events, never too busy to lend his time. For years, Bill ran our union’s hot dog stand at the Auburn Good Ol’ Days festival. He worked the grill like he was hosting a block party—cracking jokes, handing out food, and talking union pride to anyone who’d listen. It didn’t matter if you were a firefighter, a kid, or just someone walking by—Bill made you feel like part of the crew. That was who he was—present, engaged, and always representing something bigger than himself.
He was a loyal fan of University of Washington football and a regular on the golf course—always chasing the perfect round, usually with a beer in hand. He also poured his heart into causes beyond the firehouse, especially the Nick of Time Foundation, which helps prevent sudden cardiac death in young people. Bill was deeply committed to their mission and helped bring awareness and support from our fire service community.
But above all else, Bill loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and their three sons—Taylor, Joe, and Christian—as well as two beloved grandchildren. They were his greatest pride, and our hearts are with them.
Please join us in honoring Bill’s life and legacy at his memorial this Saturday. Full details are below. Let’s show up for Bill the way he showed up for all of us—loud, proud, and united.
Memorial for Deputy Chief Bill Mack
📍 33645 20th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
📅 Saturday, August 9th – please arrive no later than 11:30
🧑🏾🚒 Class A Uniform requested (if attending in uniform)
💐 All spouses and significant others are welcome to attend and pay respects
Let’s gather not just to mourn Bill’s passing, but to celebrate the incredible life he lived—and the unforgettable mark he left on our brotherhood.
Fraternally,
Ryan Freed
President, Local 1352
Join in the celebration of the life and legacy of Deputy Chief Bill Mack, who dedicated more than 31 years as a firefighter to the communities he served. The service will be held on Saturday, August 9, at Christian Faith Center, located at 33645 20th Ave S in Federal Way. The procession will arrive at Christian Faith Center at 11:55 am. It is recommended that attendees arrive and park at 11:30 to avoid congestion. The service will begin at 1:00 pm. The procession route will be shared as more details become available.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce a Memorial Service in honor of Deputy Chief Bill Mack, a devoted leader, mentor, and friend who served his community with courage and integrity.
Please join us as we celebrate his life, service, and lasting impact.
Memorial Service Details
📅 Date: Saturday, August 9th
📍 Location: Christian Faith Center
33645 20th Ave S
Federal Way, WA 98003
🕛 Family Procession: 12:00 PM
🕐 Service Begins: 1:00 PM
This firefighter memorial service will include department honors as we pay tribute to Bill’s unwavering commitment to duty and his profound influence on those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
All family, friends, and members of the fire service are welcome.
The current announcement shows a procession time of noon and service at 13:00. More detailed information about when to arrive will be sent out next week. For now, save the date!
I’ve uploaded a Bill Mack logo for everyone to use. You will also be able to pull it from our Facebook page. Thank you to Matt Lowery at East Pierce for designing this for us.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and brother, Firefighter Bill Mack, who passed away early this morning. He passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. Today is Bill’s birthday as well, he turned 59.
B331 and E336 took part in a procession with East Pierce units in the early hours this morning, escorting Bill from his home to a funeral home in Puyallup.
Bill proudly served with the Valley Regional Fire Authority, dedicating his life to the safety and service of others. He was not only a courageous firefighter but also a steady presence, a loyal teammate, and a true friend. His laughter, compassion, and quiet strength left a mark on every one of us.
His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, in the community he served, and in the hearts of his VRFA family.
We will share information about services and ways to honor Bill as soon as they are available. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to support one another and remember Bill for the remarkable man he was.
Rest easy, Bill. We’ll take it from here.
Fill the Boot:
-Saturday, August 9th from 11am-4pm
-Corner of Stewart & Valentine, City of Pacific
-Food and drinks provided
-Meet in the parking lot south of Gravity Coffee
-Wear Local 1352 apparel and/or bunker gear
-Bring your family and contact Dean McAuley with questions 253-318-2807
Here are a few things going on with Local 1352 in July:
-July 8th Union Meeeting at station 31 6pm
-July 19th & 20th the softball team is playing in the 52st Annual Burn Foundation Softball Tournament hosted by Olympia Fire at Yauger Park, Olympia
-July 20th is the annual Chili Cook-off. Kyle Strange is leading the charge and Jonathan Cookston is the Head Chef. Reach out to Kyle or the rest of the Benevolent group if you would like to help.
-July 24th Local 1352 is sponsoring a hole at the Auburn Public Schools Foundation Golf Tournament at Auburn Golf Course. They are still looking for golfers to play in the tournament. A great way to support our local schools.
Lastly, the new coins should be arriving by the end of the month!
