Gov. Gregoire recognized by Washington Fire Chiefs

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2008

WENATCHEE � Gov. Chris Gregoire received special recognition from the Washington Fire Chiefs at the organization�s annual conference which took place July 10. The governor was awarded honorary fire chief status by the organization.

�The Washington Fire Chiefs are proud to bestow upon governor Gregoire the status of honorary fire chief,� stated Michael Brown, Executive Director of Washington Fire Chiefs. Gregoire was presented with a fire chief�s helmet and a symbolic gift recognizing her as the Fire Chief�s hero.

Gregoire acknowledged the boundless commitment and bravery of fire chiefs and firefighters in protecting the people of Washington state. She reaffirmed her support of the vital work performed by firefighters and commitment to sustaining a partnership to address issues that firefighters face.

�Firefighting is a tough, demanding job. Washington firefighters have saved countless lives, and all Washingtonians are indebted to you for your exemplary work. We must express our thanks, too, to your families who support this noble calling,� Gregoire said. �I am pleased that you can watch out for us beyond the fire lines now that you have the ability to help other jurisdictions respond to any life-threatening emergency.�

Gregoire discussed recent legislation she signed which requires cigarette makers to sell only �fire-safe� cigarettes in Washington. That issue was a priority for the Fire Chiefs during the 2008 legislative session. Gregoire also mentioned expanding this legislation and said she�s encouraging the Legislature to look into novelty lighters that resemble toys and might be of interest to children.

After the event the governor toured fires in the Wenatchee area. She reminds all Washingtonians to exercise caution while enjoying our forests and park lands. There are currently eight significant wildfires burning in Washington, with the largest estimated at about five square miles (3,000 acres) in size. Local, state and federal firefighting agencies are cooperating closely in control efforts.

The Governor has also recently deployed five National Guardsmen from Fort Lewis as well as a Chinook helicopter to California to help with their firefighting efforts. In addition, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently has 25 firefighters assisting in California and three in North Carolina.

The Washington Fire Chiefs is an incorporated nonprofit organization. Its mission is to be a source of information and education to its members and to take a lead role in influencing issues affecting the fire service.


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