In The Beginning

WSAFM was established in 1999 to answer concerns about duplication of efforts and confusion among Fire Prevention Officers in the State. Several organizations were in place including the WFC Fire Prevention Officers Section, Washington Fire Marshals Association, and Washington IFCI Chapter. Some familiar names were movers and shakers in the various groups: Wayne Weinholz, Jakki Maclean, Dave Lynam, Steve Barber, Ralph Johns, and Wayne Senter among them.

Ralph Johns and Wayne Senter believed the fire prevention efforts in Washington were not well served by having several different organizations vying for members and funding. They formed a plan to establish a new group to bring all three efforts into one association. Wayne and his administrative assistant prepared all of the necessary documents to form the group. Eventually, all the legacy organizations bought into the idea and the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals was born.

Association Presidents:

Wayne Weinholz agreed to serve as the first president. Additional members serving in that position to date include Dave Lynam, Greg Rogers, Jared Moravec, Todd Short, Jim Kambeitz, Jon Dunaway, Dave Kokot, and Tom Maloney.

The Washington State Association of Fire Marshals is actively working to improve “safety through prevention” in the great State of Washington through our affiliations and partnerships. We value your membership and participation in this organization! 

Association Officers - 2000

• President - Wayne A. Wienholz, Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau

• 1st Vice President - Wayne Senter, Kitsap County Fire District #7

• 2nd Vice President - Terry Thomas, Walla Walla Fire Department

• Secretary/Treasurer - Steve Barber, Washington State Fire Marshal's Office

• Director - Legislative Division - George Ziesemer, Olympia Fire Department

• Director - National Codes Division - Les Townzen, Washington State Fire Marshal's Office

• Director - State Codes Division - John P. McDonald, East Pierce Fire and Rescue

• Director - Fire Investigation Division - Bob Lovett, Redmond Fire Department

• Director - Prof. Development Division - Jakki Maclean, Yakima County Fire Prevention Bureau

• Director - Fire Marshal Forum Division - David Lynam, Clark County Fire Marshal's Office