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A collage of eight VRFA Excellence and Mack Award recipients posing with certificates, joined by three officials in front of a fire department backdrop. Each panel names the recipient and their station.

Celebrating the Mack Award: Honoring Excellence and Camaraderie at VRFA


Each year, the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) proudly presents the Mack Award to one outstanding member, uniformed or non-uniformed, at each station. This special recognition celebrates the…

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Two photos show VRFA award recipients posing in front of a fire authority backdrop; in the first, a woman holds a 2025 Professional Excellence Award, and in the second, two men in uniform stand side by side.

Two receive the VRFA’s 2025 Professional Excellence Award


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…

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Two men in fire department uniforms stand together. Captain Aaron Martin is holding a plaque for Fire Officer of the Year, and both are smiling in front of a backdrop with the RMF and VRFA logos.

Captain Aaron Martin Named VRFA’s 2025 Fire Officer of the Year


The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) is proud to announce Captain Aaron Martin as the 2025 Fire Officer of the Year, a recognition that honors his unwavering dedication, leadership, and selfless…

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Two men in fire department uniforms stand in front of a RW Fire Authority backdrop; one is a JATC representative holding a plaque, while the other, part of the respiratory team, holds a red folder.

Jim Franklin named VRFA’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year


We are proud to recognize Jim Franklin as the VRFA 2025 Firefighter of the Year. This award honors a firefighter who exemplifies excellence and teamwork. Jim’s skill and discipline foster trust,…

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A collage of VRFA Members, firefighters, and officials posing for group and individual photos in uniform—some with awards—stands proudly before a fire department logo backdrop and American flags, highlighting their 2025 Flooding response efforts.

VRFA Members Recognized for Response During Historic 2025 Flooding


In late 2025, the Pacific Northwest faced a relentless atmospheric river event, resulting in historic rainfall and flooding that threatened many communities, including those protected by the Valley…

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Two firefighters stand smiling in front of a backdrop with fire department logos; Firefighter John Abercrombie wears a Medal of Honor and holds a plaque, suggesting an award ceremony.

Firefighter John Abercrombie Receives the Medal of Honor


On October 30, 2025, Firefighter John Abercrombie faced a situation that demanded split-second courage and unwavering commitment to duty. Assigned as the Officer in Charge of Aid 431, Abercrombie had…

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Three firefighters in uniform stand together indoors, smiling, in front of a banner with fire department logos, after receiving the Medal of Merit for a heroic rescue led by Captain Jordan Gustafson.

Ladder 331 Honored: Captain Jordan Gustafson Receives Medal of Merit, Crew Awarded Meritorious Unit Citation for Heroic Rescue


On October 21, 2025, Captain Jordan Gustafson demonstrated courage and led decisively as Captain on Ladder 331. A routine response to an automatic fire alarm in north Auburn swiftly became a…

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Captain Joel Strange Retires After 28 Years of Service to the Algona, Auburn, and Pacific Communities


As Captain Joel Strange enters retirement, he reflects on just how swiftly the years have passed. He began his firefighting career in August 1994 with the City of Richland, Washington. In January…

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Elderly woman with short, curly gray hair, glasses, and a light purple collared shirt, smiling in front of a gray studio backdrop.

Honoring Lynda Osborn: Celebrating a Legacy of Service and Leadership at VRFA


Join us in recognizing Board of Governance Member and City of Algona Councilmember Lynda Osborn, whose leadership and dedication have shaped the Valley Regional Fire Authority since day one. Serving…

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A flooded road with streetlights and vehicles partially submerged, viewed from inside an emergency response vehicle on a rainy day, highlights the urgent need for disaster assistance as local Disaster Assistance Centers open to support the affected community.

Disaster Assistance Centers Open Jan. 2-5


King County Office of Emergency Management, along with Washington State Emergency Management Division (WAEMD), will be opening Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs) this weekend (January 2-5) in both…

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