Brothers and Sisters,

As we approach our next round of contract negotiations, I want to keep you informed and engaged in the process. Our union is strongest when every member has a voice, and right now we need to hear from you.

We’ve solicited feedback already, but so far we’ve received limited responses. These negotiations will directly impact your career, your pay, and your future in the fire service. Please don’t miss the chance to shape the priorities that your negotiations team brings to the table.

One example under consideration is the addition of an Engineer position, designated with a 5% increase to base wages. This wouldn’t apply to everyone at once, but every firefighter would have the opportunity to promote into the position as openings occur—just as with other promotions in the fire service. Remember, there are numerous ways to implement a program like this, and like any well-crafted plan, it will inevitably encounter challenges.

But this is only one option. If you don’t feel this is the right direction, then we need to know: What alternative do you believe would most benefit our membership? Whether it’s pay structure, specialty pay, scheduling, or another creative solution, your input will help us set the path forward. When you make a suggestion, please include how you believe it will impact the financial bargaining process (costs/savings and leverage at the table) and how it would improve or fit into our contract language—so we can evaluate and advance your idea effectively.

The negotiations team—your fellow members, including myself as your president—has one priority: to advocate for improvements that make a real difference in your lives. To do that effectively, we need your ideas, your concerns, and your direction.

Please take a few minutes to reply with your thoughts. No suggestion is too small, and every opinion matters. Direct responses to myself or the negotiations team (Connell, Lewis, O’Donnell, Friis, Hough) Let’s work together to make sure our contract reflects the value of the work we do every single day.

In solidarity,

Ryan Freed

President, Local 1352

Ryan Freed

President Local 1352

Valley Professional Firefighters

1951 R St SE Auburn, WA 98002

206-919-5867

Here are the current teams the Laidlaw is aware of for the Lionhardt Golf Tournament next month. If you see something that’s not correct or need to make a change, please contact Brother Laidlaw. Still time to add your team for an amazing day and supporting a great organization.

Gary Barker
Ryan Simpson
Jordan Gustafson
Dylan Nystul

Anthony Rodriguez
Cory Wallace
Jacob Howard
Alexander Hough

Mike Patterson
Jim Franklin
Cooper Franklin

Andrew Bergford
Andrew O’Donnell
Mike Homan
Meghan Loudon

Jay Skilton
Jared Brooke
Kyle Strange
Tim Robert’s

Tiffany Carlson
Emma Sheehy
Robbie Stevens

Danielle Palmer
JD
Papa Palmer
Brother in law

Darrel Normandy
Justin Erickson
Ryan Nauer
Heather Nauer
(Playing under Carpet One hole sponsorship)

First, your executive board would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for stepping up and sending Bill off the way he deserved. Everyone jumped in when needed for any and all tasks. Going to meetings, running errands, doing standbys so others could prepare, washing and prepping all the rigs, and of course showing up on Saturday looking sharp and honoring a great man. I know I speak for everyone when I say it was such an honor to participate and we’re so proud of everyone in our local.

Next, if you haven’t heard, the new Local 1352 coins are in! Feedback so far is they turned out awesome, but maybe people just are being nice. Every current member will receive a new coin and if you would like additional, you can order them on our website. My goal is to personally deliver to each one of you, so if you have not received one, its only because it’s been a busy few weeks. I will definitely track everyone down.

Tomorrow, we have our monthly Union meeting at station 31. As usual, it will start after the BOG meeting is over, around 6pm. I’ll send out a zoom link tomorrow afternoon, but come in person and get your coin. It’s contract negotiating season, expect some updates including one from the engineer committee. After the meeting, lets get some drinks and maybe tell a Bill Mack story or two.

Event wise, we moved Fill the boot to September and cancelled the chili cookoff.

That’s all for now. Be safe out there.

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