LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | Thank you for fire levy discussion

On behalf of South Whidbey Fire/EMS, I thank the community for participating in our recent discussions about a proposed levy lid lift to support our volunteer program. Connecting with the community has been an incredibly positive experience for our fire department and its volunteers during this public process.

To the editor:

On behalf of South Whidbey Fire/EMS, I thank the community for participating in our recent discussions about a proposed levy lid lift to support our volunteer program. Connecting with the community has been an incredibly positive experience for our fire department and its volunteers during this public process.

We know you are busy, which makes the time you take to call, email or attend one of the board meetings all the more valuable. It’s this kind of “community spirit” that drives our volunteer program every day.

More than 75 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians respond to 1,900 calls for help from our community each year. Relying on volunteers saves our taxpayers approximately $1.15 million each year in personnel costs. We will continue to update you on the status of the levy lid lift through the news media and our newsletter.

Again, thank you for participation and continued support of our volunteers. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me personally at 321-1533, or email me your thoughts to chief@icfd3.org.

H. L. “RUSTY” PALMER,

Fire Chief, South Whidbey Fire/EMS