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VRFA Blog

Read about current VRFA events, incidents and announcements.

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 legacy of former VRFA Battalion Chief Bill Mack, who…

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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 operations, providing crucial operational support,…

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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 service to both his team and the broader…

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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, accountability, and commitment within his crew. He…

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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 Regional Fire Authority (VRFA). As rivers like the…

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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 just completed transferring a patient to the…

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