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VRFA Blog
Read about current VRFA events, incidents and announcements.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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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