To the editor:

For the first time in 23 years your fire department is submitting a special levy to the voters asking for support and approval to raise the current levy rate of $.61 assessed value to $.76 per thousand. The $.15 cent levy lid lift being proposed would cost the owner of a $250,000 home $3.13 per month. With the approval of this increase, South Whidbey Fire/EMS will use the money for training, repair and replacement of emergency equipment and disaster preparedness.

It is very important to know that maintaining a volunteer fire department system saves taxpayers approximately $1.15 million per year by not having to pay for full time personnel.

The other very important part in keeping a volunteer system working is having enough volunteers in the department. Please understand that not everyone needs to be a firefighter or EMT. There are many other areas and duties within the department that need your help. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’ve helped your fellow citizens.

So I ask that you consider two things: first show the volunteers of South Whidbey Fire/EMS that you support them and appreciate what they do by voting for the levy lid lift. Second, volunteer your time and expertise, whatever it may be, to keep our great system working. I have been a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years on South Whidbey Island.

I know how valuable it is to have the community participate in events like the upcoming Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training drill

July 28. Please call the South Whidbey Fire/EMS office at 321-1533 with any questions about the November levy and to find out how you may volunteer, so that our present volunteer fire/EMS system can survive.

Gary Gabelein

Clinton