Dear Mr. Carey,
This letter is in response to your questions during our regular Fire Commissioner Board meeting on
October 11, 2005 concerning possible interruption of fire and emergency medical service to your
community as a result of the upcoming election. The District motto is “neighbors helping neighbors
“. FD# 2 has been providing paramedic service to FD# 8 for the past nine years. In addition, FD# 2
has provided equipment and personnel to every significant incident in the Tahuya area in the past six
years. District# 2 will respond to any emergency medical or fire request in the Tahuya area regardless
of who holds political office.
In addition to questioning FD# 2’s commitment to responding to calls for help, you asked about
opportunities for long term cooperative agreements between the Districts. You expressed community
concerns about cost, tax and insurance rates and loss of local control and equipment.
It is the Board’s belief that Fire Department identity and tradition are a vital and important part of the
community. Honoring those traditions and customs are essential to the success of any cooperative agreement.
Cooperative agreements must be able to improve or increase service without spending additional tax dollars.
Shared preventive maintenance, purchasing, training and administrative responsibilities avoid duplication and
allow both communities to provide more efficient service.
The Board of Commissioners at Mason County Fire District # 2 has directed our chief to develop contingency
plans in the event FD# 8 needs our assistance and regardless of who is elected, always is ready to discuss
ways to avoid duplication, increase efficiency and improve service through cooperation and sharing of resources.
