WFCA Quarterly Newsletter 2025 | Q4

Published:November 14, 2025
Edited:November 14, 2025

Learn more about what the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) worked on during Q3 2025 and plans for Q4 2025 in this edition of the WFCA Quarterly Newsletter.

President’s Message

Dear WFCA Members,

It’s been another outstanding quarter for the Western Fire Chiefs Association! From our strong presence at Fire Rescue International—where Trisha Wolford was sworn in as IAFC President—to a successful FORCE Conference with participation from every Western state, we continue to advance leadership development, innovation, and meaningful connections across the fire service.

Trisha has long been a great friend to the Western, and we’re excited to collaborate with her in the year ahead.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Montana Fire Service Convention, which had excellent participation from across the state. The level of engagement and collaboration among the various associations represented was impressive, and it’s clear that Montana’s fire service leaders are committed to moving the profession forward together.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming IGNITE Symposium this March—focused once again on Wildfire, Technology, Health & Wellness, and Leadership. This event promises valuable learning opportunities and meaningful networking that will help shape the future of our profession.

We continue to work closely with our regional and national partners to address key challenges, including wildfire response and reimbursement issues. Additionally, we’re collaborating with fire apparatus manufacturers to tackle growing concerns around lead times and costs. We’ll share more updates on these efforts in our next quarterly report.

Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and dedication to advancing the fire service across the West.

Warm regards,

Chief Jeremy L. Craft
Lehi City Fire Department
President, Western Fire Chiefs Association

IGNITE Symposium | March 12-13, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV

Following a successful inaugural year, we’re excited to bring the WFCA IGNITE Symposium back to Las Vegas for its second annual event. Join us as we build upon the momentum, fostering innovation and leadership within the fire service community!

New Sourcewell Guide Empowers Fire-Rescue Agencies to Adopt Technology (Free Resource Now Available!)

Sourcewell has released a comprehensive new guide designed for fire-rescue agencies looking to modernize their operations with emerging technologies. Titled Advancing the Future of Fire-Rescue Operations: Strategies and Solutions for Adopting Emerging Fire-Rescue Technology, the guide provides practical tools and recommendations for technology adoption.

This resource covers essential aspects such as a needs assessment checklist, pre-implementation testing and evaluation, implementation strategies, and an overview of some of the fastest-growing technology sectors in public safety.

Fire service leaders will benefit from this concise, easy-to-use guide by:

Pinpointing their department’s technology needs with a focus on long-term value.
Exploring a wide range of mobile solutions that enhance response capabilities and improve firefighter safety.
Facilitating the integration of new technology platforms into everyday operations.
Learning how cooperative purchasing can streamline and accelerate the purchasing process.

The guide is available as a free download to help agencies proactively plan for technology upgrades and improve operational effectiveness. If you have questions about Sourcewell, contact their dedicated team online or call 877-413-5360.

Download Here

Daily Dispatch Launches New Fire Service Career Resources

We’re excited to announce a new dedicated resource hub for anyone exploring or advancing a career in the fire service.

Our new Fire Service Career Resources page provides essential guidance for aspiring firefighters and current fire service professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. The articles and tips offer expert insights and practical advice to help navigate all stages of fire service careers. All articles are drafted by WFCA’s expert executive recruiter, bringing real-world knowledge and industry insights to every piece of guidance we provide.

The Daily Dispatch will be continuously expanding this resource with additional career guidance, training tips, and professional development content to support fire service professionals at every stage of their careers.

Register for the Upcoming Webinar: AI In the Fire Service

Fire Tech U is the Western Fire Chiefs Association’s educational platform built to strengthen technological fluency in the fire service. By connecting professionals with emerging tools, data, and innovations, it helps leaders apply modern solutions with confidence and improve prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Technology in the Fire Service webinar series is Fire Tech U’s first training program, designed to give agencies a strong foundation in tech-driven operations. Up next: AI in the Fire Service on November 5, 2025, featuring Luke Barnes of Crux Security. Join us to learn how to evaluate and implement AI effectively—and avoid common missteps.

Registeration Closed