Vote yes to keep fire services

I would like to explain North Whidbey Fire and Rescue’s proposed levy lid lift in a simplified manner.

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is an all volunteer department. We respond to essentially all types of calls. When you don’t know who to call, or there is no one else to call, you call the fire department. Lesser known are the other services we support, or strive to provide. Public education, school visits, station tours and annual open houses to name a few. We have even changed batteries in smoke detectors. The list continues, for as firefighters, the one thing we are not very good at is saying, “No, we can’t do that.”

The district is asking for a levy increase above the one percent allowed by state law. I am not going to explain what that means. Information on the levy specifics can be obtained by calling the district office at 675-1131. What I am going to do is help put the decision into terms of service expectations. You, the voter, must decide the level of service you want.

A “no” vote will not change our commitment to excellence and professionalism, but it will change the service you receive.

We will still respond to emergencies. The response time to your emergency will eventually increase. The number of responders will continue to decrease. The critical equipment needed may not be available. Training for firefighters and EMTs will falter. Competency in some areas will decline to a point that responder safety may be compromised, limiting our capabilities.

Budgets for public education may have to be redirected to critical needs. Combined, these factors can hinder our ability to safely and successfully mitigate emergency calls. A “no” vote will effectively lower the level of service you receive.

These are not threats, but illustrations of levels of service. The vote of “yes” or “no” is a vote for the level of service you want from your fire department. If you vote “no,” the level of service you receive today cannot be sustained. A “yes” vote ensures the current level of service continues and improves.

Support your proud firefighters. A “yes” vote will send the message, “Keep us the good work.” Vote “yes,” you deserve a full service fire, EMS and rescue service.

Matthew VanGiesen

Captain, Zylstra Road and San de Fuca Stations

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue