Valley Regional Fire Authority

Valley Regional Fire Authority The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) was officially established on January 1, 2007.

The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the communities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific.VRFA - Official Site The VRFA joins the existing resources from the Auburn and Pacific Fire Departments to provide fire services to the communities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific. The VRFA provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the communities of Algona, Auburn and Pacific.VRFA - Official Site

In the month of August, we responded to 1,435 calls for service, an average of 46. emergency calls each day. Emergency m...
09/02/2026

In the month of August, we responded to 1,435 calls for service, an average of 46. emergency calls each day. Emergency medical aid remains the largest call type, representing 83% of all requests for service.

09/01/2026

After 23 years of unwavering service, Captain Gervase Henson is retiring from the Valley Regional Fire Authority, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and commitment. Before joining the fire service in 2003, Henson served as a combat medic and nurse in the U.S. Army, honed his medical expertise in various healthcare roles, and brought that same dedication to helping others into his career as a firefighter.

Throughout his tenure, Captain Henson was known for his hard work, attention to detail, and caring nature, earning him recognition as Firefighter of the Year and several other honors. He played pivotal roles on special teams and committees, mentored others as a CPR and first aid instructor, and was celebrated by his colleagues for his readiness to help and his big heart.

Reflecting on his career, Henson shared that working with people was both the most rewarding and challenging aspect of the job. He fondly recalls the pride in his daughters’ eyes when they realized their dad was a “real firefighter.” As he embarks on retirement, Henson looks forward to new adventures and leaves his colleagues with simple advice: “Stay safe. Stay healthy. It goes by fast!”

08/29/2026

Good morning Algona, Auburn, and Pacific!

Wishing you a safe weekend! We are experiencing rain for the first time in awhile. Please be cautious on the roads as oil and other vehicle fluids have built up over the summer, making surfaces slippery.

Earlier this week, our partners at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center surprised Firefighter John Abercrombie while he was o...
08/28/2026

Earlier this week, our partners at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center surprised Firefighter John Abercrombie while he was on shift, presenting him with their new TITAN Award and a special challenge coin in recognition of his courageous actions during a critical incident last year. The TITAN Award recognizes EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and community partners who exemplify teamwork, integrity, trust, decisive action, and a strong commitment to protecting our community. The hospital staff also brought dinner for the crew, a thoughtful gesture that meant a great deal and highlighted the supportive partnership we share.

Last year, after transferring a patient to the nursing staff at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, Abercrombie heard a call for help from a nearby room. He rushed in to find a police officer wrestling with a combative individual who was attempting to take the officer’s firearm. He stepped in right away, restraining the individual until help arrived and preventing a potentially tragic situation.

We are grateful to MultiCare for honoring Firefighter Abercrombie through the TITAN Award program and for celebrating the strong partnerships that help keep our community safe.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Abercrombie on this meaningful and well‑deserved recognition.

Congratulations to Firefighter Montaño for completing the practical evaluation of JATC Step 3B, the final step!Step 3B m...
08/27/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Montaño for completing the practical evaluation of JATC Step 3B, the final step!

Step 3B marks a significant milestone in the journey of apprentices as they develop aid car officer expertise, hone their decision-making abilities in the field, and strengthen communication skills. During this step, apprentices gain insight into the responsibilities of company officers and engage in mentoring activities alongside their company officers. Step 3B is the final hurdle in the JATC program before achieving Firefighter 1st Class status.

Evaluators stated “The years of work put into his development were evident as Firefighter Montaño successfully navigated the various scenarios with which he was presented. Firefighter Montaño has established himself as a well-rounded firefighter with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

From left to right: Firefighter Butler, Firefighter Montaño, and Captain Pickerel.

Excellent work, Firefighter Montaño!

In two weeks, students across the Auburn School District will be returning to school. That means school buses will be ba...
08/26/2026

In two weeks, students across the Auburn School District will be returning to school. That means school buses will be back on the roads, and you'll likely see more young pedestrians during your morning commute. Take a moment to review the rules for when you are required to stop for a school bus. Drive slowly in school zones and watch for pedestrians.

If your child walks to school, remind them to:
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Stay alert and avoid phones or headphones.
• Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic if none are available.

Wishing all Auburn students and families a safe and successful school year!

Congratulations to Firefighter Gage Young for passing JATC Step 1B. In this step, firefighter apprentices continue honin...
08/22/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Gage Young for passing JATC Step 1B. In this step, firefighter apprentices continue honing their fire skills, working on advanced hose deployments, forcible entry, and vertical ventilation. They also focus on EMS skills such as patient assessments, triage spinal immobilization, and more. After completing Steps 1A and 1B, apprentices achieve Firefighter 3rd Class.

Job well done, Firefighter Young!

Firefighter Young (center) is pictured with Captain Eliason and Firefighter Engle.

08/21/2026

This morning the E332 crew visited The Lighthouse Early Learning and Development Center. Students got a fire safety lesson, followed by an engine tour. It was a fun morning engaging with our young community members! A big thank you to teachers and staff for welcoming us.

Congratulations to Firefighter Nathan MacLurg for passing JATC Step 1B. In this step, firefighter apprentices continue h...
08/20/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Nathan MacLurg for passing JATC Step 1B. In this step, firefighter apprentices continue honing their fire skills, working on advanced hose deployments, forcible entry, and vertical ventilation. They also focus on EMS skills such as patient assessments, triage spinal immobilization, and more. After completing Steps 1A and 1B, apprentices achieve Firefighter 3rd Class.

Excellent work, Firefighter MacLurg!

Firefighter MacLurg (center) is pictured with Firefighter Heffernan and Captain Eliason

Address

Headquarters/1101 D Street NE
Auburn, WA
98002

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