Letter to Editor: Voice of Firefighter/EMT Association

— from Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association —

We are proud to be part of the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue team. We represent the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association, and the 64 community members who serve as EMTs and Firefighters. As volunteers, we rely on our professional staff to ensure we have the skills, equipment, and training needed to provide our community with the best possible outcome when there is an emergency. The staff is responsible for maintaining the organization and equipment in response ready mode, to care for the health and safety of the volunteers, and to maintain compliance with a multitude of Federal and State regulations. As volunteers, we contribute our time and effort to maintaining our skills and responding to calls. Working together, we make up a remarkable team.

Like every winning team, we need quality leadership: leaders that are knowledgeable, respectful, accountable, and dedicated. With the current leadership in place, our team is strong because not only are the paid staff also responders, they work shoulder to shoulder with the volunteer members, hauling a hose at a fire, jumping in to continue CPR, or making sure the rescue rig rolls as soon as the call goes out. Their efforts combined with the dedication of the 64 of us who volunteer provide Orcas with excellent island wide emergency coverage 24/7.

The Volunteer FF/EMT Association Board unanimously voted to endorse this levy. As volunteers, we need your vote to carry this level of service forward. Please vote yes and mail your ballots in by April 22nd.