Our family knows, intimately, as many of you do, the importance of an adequately staffed and well equipped fire department.  In May, our son and his friend were severely burned in a terrible accident at our home.  With their lives hanging in the balance, KCFD#28/Enumclaw Fire arrived, within minutes, to treat their life threatening injuries.

If not for the rapid response and vital lifesaving work from our firefighters, my son Beau, would not be with us today.  Proposition 1 must be approved for our department to continue providing the essential fire, medical and rescue services that our community needs.

Proposition 1 will allow our fire department to restore firefighter staffing levels, replace aging equipment and continue providing exceptional service.  If this measure fails, more firefighters will be laid off and old equipment will not be replaced.  Less firefighters and older equipment means a lower level of service and longer response times.  In our son’s case, this would have cost us more than money.

No matter who you are, young or old, we all need our fire department at some point.  Please join our family in supporting our local fire department and vote “yes” on Proposition 1.

Submitted by: Ryan Ward and Angela Ward

While the City of Enumclaw oversaw Fire District 28, union contract negotiations were contentious.  The city couldn’t  afford what the union wanted. Once separated from the city, under the direction of Board Chairman Dave Hannity, the union received pay increases every year during the great recession while private sector business and their employees are fighting hard just to survive and their average pay decreased. Benefits given to the union firefighters are beyond the scope of anything possible in private companies because the benefits given to these union members would break most companies.  When faced with layoffs after the last levy loss, the union made zero concessions in order to help retain even one union member.  New Fire Board members along with the new chief have made great strides creating a cost effective organization. The union has not given any concession except not taking a pay increase since 2014. Even so the union continues to ask for more benefits.  The chief and board of FD 28 are doing all they can in efficiency and transparency while the union employees continue with their entitlement mentality.  Unions purpose is to get everything legally possible from an employer.  This union has done so.

Submitted by: Ted DeVol, teddevol@hotmail.com

Proposition 1 will ensure your fire department can begin to provide the level of service this community needs. Fact: In 2015 crews were unavailable to immediately respond 328 times (nearly once a day). Support your community’s immediate need for emergency services.  The con statement is simply not true; please talk to your Fire Chief and elected commissioners. The fire department has published fact based information. You can view a copy at www.enumclawfire.com.  “Approve” Proposition 1.

More taxes mean more entitlements for Union members. A few months ago union members filed a grievance for more pay for the 3 captains in the tune of $38,391. They offered to drop the grievance if they could get a new Salary Savings Plan. This Savings Plan turned out to be a Golden Parachute for union members who retire early to pay for their medical premiums. Current Benefits are out of hand and un-sustainable.

Complete text of measure

Simple majority (RCW 84.55.050)

For questions about this measure, contact: Randy Fehr, Fire Chief, 360-825-5544,
rfehr@ci.enumclaw.wa.us