Letter to the editor Lets look beyond status quo strategy for delivering fire service

In a compelling letter to the editor, Larry Fuell challenges Edmonds to rethink its approach to fire and emergency medical services. He critiques the current focus on maintaining the status quo, which includes options like joining the South County Fire-Regional Fire Authority or restarting an independent service. Fuell highlights a significant shift in emergency patterns, with fire incidents declining and medical emergencies on the rise, indicating a need for adaptation. He recalls the Public Safety concept from the 1960s and 1970s, which emphasized cross-training personnel to improve efficiency and resource utilization. This approach could address the inefficiency of dispatching the same resources for every fire alarm, especially considering that around 90% of those alarms are false.

Fuell argues that a reevaluation of how resources are deployed and utilized could enhance response times and effectiveness. He advocates for a revival of the Public Safety idea to better serve the community's evolving needs. By embracing innovative strategies, Edmonds can ensure its emergency services are both effective and efficient.