In late 2020, the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) created a subcommittee to address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) issues in the Washington fire service. The committee is charged with identifying inclusion and diversity strengths, issues, and opportunities within all aspects of the Washington Fire Service and to develop plans that will enhance its effectiveness and ability to meet the needs of a diverse fire service.

In the spring of 2021, the DEI committee became a standing committee within the WFC organization. The standing committee meets monthly with the goal of increasing the cultural competency and awareness of WFC membership.

Equity and inclusion are important to the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) association. Our goal/vision is to increase the cultural competency and awareness of our membership with a focus on gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

• Diversity: Recognizing the differences between people and striving for diverse representation as a valued asset.
• Equity: Fair and just access to opportunity and participation, recognizing different challenges, needs, and histories. It is different than equality, or “same treatment,” which doesn’t take differing needs or disparate outcomes into account.
• Inclusion: Creating a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feeling valued.

Chair
Whatcom County FD #1