Letter: Funding for North Whidbey fire district directly benefits us all
Published 3:30 pm Friday, October 2, 2020
Editor,
Changes can happen fast. We see this with the weather.
Recently, fires throughout California, Oregon and our Puget Sound region resulted in devastating losses in property and life. Health protocols, including smoke, affected our lives in innumerable ways.
These sobering developments give pause for appreciating those who protect lives and property. Communities celebrate health care workers and firefighters.
My wish is to focus on an acknowledgement the first responders from North Whidbey Fire and Rescue for the numerous ways they show up in service to our community.
This November, as voters, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our support with a crucially important ballot item.
North Whidbey Fire and Rescue’s team has six full- and 23 part-time staff with a fluctuating number of volunteers responsible for a 55-square-mile area and 18,000 people.
My understanding is that 16 current volunteers are over the age of 50. As citizens, we depend on their reliable presence, their skill sets and capacity to respond.
NWFR arrived promptly when there was a gasoline-related car fire in our neighborhood.
On another occasion, a child called 911 on a cell phone and a truck was immediately dispatched.
Though there was not an actual emergency, the firefighters’ thoughtful exchange with the family had the quality of kindness.
Not only does NWFR respond to emergencies but also advocates fire safety awareness by outreach to the public. There are CPR classes, reflective address signs available for locating homes on dark nights and even smoke detectors offered for home installation.
In June, 20 volunteers from NWFR participated in a Firewise Workday to reduce potential fuels which had accumulated in the suburban/forest interface in which I live.
A practice drill was executed with running multiple hoses from one of the trucks. Some volunteers had even taken off work to contribute their time. All of this demonstrates NWFR’s impressive commitment to service in our community.
On Nov. 3, we have the opportunity to voice our support for North Whidbey Fire and Rescue with a “yes” on the proposed measure to increase funding through a levy lid lift.
While resistance to taxes is understandable, the fact that NWFR has outdated radios, air tanks and obsolete fire trucks clearly puts this into perspective.
A 15-cent raise per $1,000 assessed property value is a solid investment for protecting our lives and property.
The fact is, the funding for NWFR directly benefits all of us.
Teri Jo Reiger
Coupeville
