Voters of North Whidbey, we are the volunteer members of North Whidbey Fire. Though we are volunteer, we meet the same qualification, education and training requirements of our paid counterparts.

We give freely our time, knowledge and experience to train and answer your calls of need.

Now, we write this letter requesting your help.

Our organization is governed by a three-member board voted into office by you. For many a year we have stood by as the board members continually fail us, you included, by putting personal agenda above the needs of the community and the firefighters protecting it. It lacks a common, shared vision for the organization. As the volunteer members of your fire and rescue team, we have no confidence in the the board as it sits.

The board of commissioners does as it pleases. There is no oversight. There are no checks and balances. Except you, the voting public.

We ask that you, the voters, get involved. Attend the monthly meetings. Ask questions. Question the answers. Hold the board and its members accountable to you. Stop blindly sending them your tax dollars assuming they have your best interest and public safety as a priority.

And, if you feel compelled to, run for a board position.

North Whidbey doesn’t need retired fire officers and chiefs running the board. It needs engaged, businesses-minded community leaders to step in and build a professional emergency response team.

If you have questions, attend a board meeting, arrange a meeting with the fire chief. Or better yet, stop by your local North Whidbey fire station on a Monday right and ask for one of us.

We are usually there 6-9 p.m. We love to meet our neighbors and proudly show off our fire engine.

Board meetings are usually 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Few of us can attend since the board changed the time from 7 p.m.

Matt VanGiesen, Captain/EMT

Jeff Amidon, Captain/EMT

Amber Damon, Admin Manager and also signed by 23 firefighters/EMTs and lieutenants

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue