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VRFA Blog

Read about current VRFA events, incidents and announcements.

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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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 life-or-death emergency. The moment demanded training,…

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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 1998, Strange joined the City of Auburn Fire…

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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 on the Board of Governance since 2007, Lynda’s…

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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 the north and south county areas (those most…

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