VIFR investigation substantiates unprofessional interactions
Published 9:30 am Tuesday, August 11, 2026
More than a month after Vashon Island Fire & Rescue placed Chief William McLaughlin on administrative leave, the district has disclosed the findings of the investigation that preceded his resignation.
The independent investigation substantiated unprofessional workplace interactions that caused discomfort and disruption but found no evidence of unlawful harassment, a hostile work environment under applicable law or criminal wrongdoing, the district’s attorney disclosed Aug. 5. However, the board said in a statement that the behavior was “not insignificant.”
The disclosure offers the first public explanation for the investigation surrounding McLaughlin’s departure less than a year after he took over the department.
The VIFR Board of Commissioners released the statement after meeting for about 30 minutes in a closed executive session. Only about five minutes of the special meeting were open to the public, and the board took no action after returning from executive session.
“Based on the information available, the investigation substantiated that unprofessional interactions occurred,” commissioners said in the statement to The Beachcomber.
VIFR retained an independent investigator to review concerns about certain workplace interactions involving administrative staff. The district did not identify the employees involved, describe the specific interactions or release the investigator’s report.
According to the board, the investigation established behavior that caused discomfort and workplace disruption and raised valid concerns about VIFR’s workplace culture. It also identified communication and workplace practice issues that could be addressed to strengthen the department’s effectiveness.
Commissioners said responsibility for setting and maintaining that culture rests with both the fire chief and the Board of Fire Commissioners.
McLaughlin submitted a letter of resignation effective Aug. 31, citing personal reasons. The board said the letter remains under consideration and did not vote on it during the Aug. 5 meeting.
At the board’s July 29 meeting, Chair Brigitte Schran-Brown described McLaughlin’s departure as related to ongoing health concerns.
“He’s a good man with a good heart, and I wish him well in his retirement,” Schran-Brown said
McLaughlin did not respond to a request for comment for this story. He previously confirmed to The Beachcomber that he was resigning and retiring from the fire service but declined to discuss the investigation.
McLaughlin, who was hired as chief in September 2025, is leaving a position that pays an annual salary of $258,635.
Commissioners placed McLaughlin on administrative leave effective June 30 following a June 29 special meeting. Nearly all of that meeting was held in a closed executive session, and the district had previously declined to disclose the nature of the investigation.
Deputy Chief Ben Davidson has been leading the department since McLaughlin was placed on leave, though the board has not appointed him interim chief.
Since becoming a volunteer firefighter and EMT in 2008, Davidson has held numerous leadership positions at VIFR. He became deputy chief in 2024 after serving as division chief of training and community risk reduction, and previously served as a captain, union leader, firefighter and EMT.
The board said state law prevents commissioners from disclosing confidential information obtained through their positions and limits what they can say about the investigation or McLaughlin’s resignation.
Temporary chief proposed
The board authorized VIFR on July 29 to pursue a contract of up to one year with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, which could provide an experienced chief to lead the island department temporarily.
The regional authority is expected to prepare a proposal detailing the services it could provide and the financial and personnel implications. Any cost to taxpayers will depend on the specific services included, Schran-Brown said.
She said the arrangement would give the district time “to look at all options possible, and to continue the operations as seamlessly as we can.”
Under the proposal discussed July 29, the temporary chief would be assigned specifically to Vashon rather than dividing responsibilities among multiple agencies. The agreement could also provide VIFR with additional administrative support and give island firefighters opportunities to participate in training and programs offered through the regional authority.
VIFR previously contracted with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority for support services following former Chief Matt Vinci’s departure in January 2025. Under that agreement, the district authorized up to $33,000 for a regional authority consultant to assist VIFR’s operations for about 10 hours a week over six months. The agreement did not include providing a chief.
After Vinci left, Davidson initially led the district as its highest-ranking officer without being given the title of interim chief — much as he is doing now.
But at a Jan. 29, 2025, meeting, the board voted to give him that title, along with a commensurate pay raise backdated to the date of Vinci’s departure.
Davidson ultimately led the department in that capacity for more than seven months and was among four finalists considered for the permanent position.
During his tenure as interim chief, Davidson received public support from regional fire service leaders and island organizations. At an April 2025 board meeting, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Chief Brian Carson told commissioners he was “very impressed” with Davidson and questioned whether the district needed to look for “something better than what you have.”
The following month, representatives of Vashon Rotary, the Vashon Health Care District and VashonBePrepared groups, including the Medical Reserve Corps and Community Emergency Response Team, urged commissioners during public comment to hire Davidson as chief. The board ultimately hired McLaughlin.
Now, as the board navigates its current leadership gap, it has not publicly explained why it is pursuing a temporary chief through the regional authority rather than formally appointing Davidson as interim chief. Schran-Brown declined to provide additional context, and Davidson declined to comment.
Commissioners said the proposed regional authority agreement would give the district six months to a year to evaluate its leadership structure, operations and workplace culture before deciding how to fill the permanent chief position.
At the July 29 meeting, Commissioner Candy McCullough said the department wants “to do a 360 of the whole department” and examine how it can improve operations, strengthen its culture and determine the best process for selecting its next leader.
“This is all part of a big plan of trying to figure out how to best serve our community,” McCullough said. “As commissioners, that’s our duty.”
The board conducted a nationwide search before hiring McLaughlin last year, a process that cost the district $24,197, according to VIFR Finance and Human Resources Director Christina Bosch. Commissioners said July 29 that the district has not decided whether it will conduct another similar search or pursue a different leadership model.
Commissioners could also hold another strategic planning session that includes community participation before choosing a permanent path.
“We are where we are now,” Commissioner Amy Drayer said July 29.
The proposed agreement, she said, would allow the district to move forward with additional support while assessing “what’s best for us as a department going forward.”
Prevention training approved
Commissioners also approved a one-day workplace harassment prevention and professionalism training expected to take place during an all-staff training in late September.
The district will pay Career Survival Group $4,675 for the training, including the trainer’s travel from California. The program will be divided into two sessions so all employees have an opportunity to attend. Commissioners and administrators will also be invited.
Davidson said VIFR considered several options and received a strong recommendation for the company from Commissioner Jim Whitney, a deputy fire chief in Redmond.
“It just sounds like exactly what this district could use,” Davidson said.
He described the program as a way to address workplace pitfalls and improve professionalism, calling it “a great step in the right direction for us” and “some long overdue training at that level.”
The board’s announcement said VIFR is taking additional action to strengthen its workplace but did not specify what other measures are planned.
