The VRFA Professional Excellence Award honors individuals who make a lasting impact through outstanding support, innovation, and commitment behind the scenes. Whether they are advancing our business operations, providing crucial operational support, or serving our community members, these professionals ensure our mission is delivered consistently and with care. Through their collaboration, accountability, and meticulous attention to detail, they exemplify Selfless Service, Integrity, and Grit—strengthening our teams, systems, and the very foundation that empowers our crews to serve at their best.

Two exceptional VRFA members were recognized with the Professional Excellence Award:

Stephanie Harper, Executive Assistant and Clerk of the Board

Stefanie is central to VRFA’s daily operations and success. As Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief, Clerk of the Board, and a key part of Human Resources, she wears many hats. Stefanie also serves as the JATC program secretary, chairs the firefighter hiring committee, produces weekly updates, and coordinates events that foster our culture.

What sets Stefanie apart is not only the breadth of her responsibilities, but the way she fulfills them. She intuitively anticipates others’ needs, manages complex situations with ease, and ensures seamless communication among Administration, staff, and the Board.

Stefanie’s thoughtful approach and commitment to VRFA’s mission have earned universal trust. She is the glue that keeps our team informed, aligned, and supported. Her professionalism, judgment, and unwavering dedication embody Professional Excellence.

Stefanie consistently goes above and beyond to help others, always with a positive attitude. She never turns anyone away and always finds solutions, no matter the challenge. Her kindness, patience, creativity, and organization shine through in everything she does. Stefanie brings her whole self to her work and cares deeply about the VRFA and its people.

Paul Strong, Battalion Chief of Health, Safety, and EMS

Paul’s work is extraordinary. As the first Battalion Chief of Health, Safety, and EMS, he has made lasting contributions in all three. For health, he helped secure funding and completion for the Galleri cancer screening, adopted the RECESS program, and implemented the Counseling Team International contract. Paul also supports the Fitness Committee, streamlining budgeting and management.

For safety initiatives, Paul coordinates VRFA’s participation with L&I’s FIRE program and has brought essential structure to the Safety Committee’s processes.

Paul passionately advocates for the CARES program, helping VRFA expand its reach and secure a $1.5 million grant for MOUD outreach. He rewrote the BLS transport contract, launched the new EMS data set, and secured budget approval for defibrillators, working with King County EMS and regional partners.

In addition, Paul is the county coordinator for all-hazards deployments, an ESF-4 representative at the King County EOC, and a member of a Type I Incident Management Team. During the recent flood, his near-constant presence and strong coordination skills helped secure state mobilization and USAR resources for our communities.

Though Paul’s contributions are often behind the scenes, his impact on VRFA and the community is remarkable.

Congratulations to Stephanie and BC Strong and thank you for your continued dedication.