RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS OF WASHINGTON HISTORY

The Retired Firefighters of Washington was originally established in 1932 as the Retired Firemen’s Association, representing those members who retired under the “Prior Act”. In 1970, when the LEOFF Pension System was established, the organization changed its name to the current “Retired Firefighters of Washington” and is the only politically active organization dedicated to, and representing, the interest of all RETIRED Washington State firefighters.

During the Legislative Session, countless hours are spent lobbying on behalf of retired firefighters, to protect and improve their pensions and medical benefits, as they apply to the retired firefighter, their families, and their surviving spouses. Many issues addressed by the RFFOW impact both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2. And, our President Michael Duchemin, who is a retired attorney who has litigated LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 issues for many years, offers free individualized support for our members.

Members of the RFFOW pay $60 per year for membership, or alternatively just $5 per month from their monthly pension payment. There are monthly meetings, the annual RFFOW Christmas Luncheon, the monthly newsletter, and an organization dedicated to the welfare of all retired Washington State firefighters and their families and, most importantly, the preservation of the pension and medical benefits you worked so hard to receive. We work with, and stay in contact with, the numerous city and county Pension and Disability Boards statewide as a ready resource for the boards and their members. You probably rely on your pension and medical benefits as the major financial elements in your retirement. However, the Legislature likes to “tweak” those benefits on a regular basis. We monitor those efforts to look out for your best interests.

We also have a new website dedicated to serving our members in many ways from fun to informative. We have monthly Zoom only General Membership Meetings as well. See our Schedule page to learn how to use Zoom.

Right now LEOFF I and LEOFF II members have some strong organizations that are working to protect and improve that system. But, they are active member based organizations. The RFFOW tracks pension legislation, and works with the advocacy groups to keep its retired members current on things that can impact their pension and medical benefits. Additionally, the RFFOW’s mission is to represent not only the retiree, but the surviving spouse and families, in matters regarding the maintenance, protection, and/or improvement of their pensions and medical benefits.

The RFFOW serves as a social venue to keep you in touch will all of those folks you worked with over the years of your career, and our unique website offers more fun, facts, and engagement than any other retiree organization. New members are always amazed at the importance of these functions and opportunities and how rewarding it is to see these old faces from time to time. In the past, most of our members in the RFFOW have been LEOFF I, but now we are also focusing on LEOFF II members. We strive to Support all Retired Washington State Firefighters.” Our organization is dealing with all the old and new issues confronting our LEOFF I and LEOFF II retiree members.

Now is the time to join the RFFOW. For any questions or information, call President Michael Duchemin at (360) 710-9375 or contact him by email at mike@rffow.org. He will answer your questions and help you get signed up.

Give us a try. You have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain with membership in the Retired Firefighters of Washington.