Way To Go

Northshore Fire Chief Eric Magnuson to retire

After more than 21 years of service at Northshore Fire Department, Acting Fire C hief Magnuson has announced his retirement effective April 1. Acting Chief Magnuson joined Northshore Fire Department in 1998. His dedication to the profession was quickly noticed and he was selected to join the department’s leadership through growth challenges and organizational change. Chief Magnuson was promoted to deputy fire chief in 2016 and was selected as acting fire chief in May.

“It has been an honor to lead this department and serve the communities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park,” Magnuson said. “The personnel have a commitment to our residents and a dedication to service that is steadfast; I am confident of their continued success.”

The Northshore Fire Department is committed to exploring partnerships and service improvement opportunities in the region. On Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement between the Department and Woodinville Fire & Rescue to contract for Fire Chief services.

“Northshore and Woodinville Fire have a long-standing, collaborative relationship,” Northshore Board Chair David Maehren said. “This partnership is fitting because both organizations have a shared focus on community and a commitment to providing cost-effective, reliable services.”

The interlocal agreement with Woodinville Fire & Rescue’s Fire Chief Gregory Ahearn is designed to provide the Department with a high-level liaison to key stakeholders and the elected Board while both organizations develop a clear vision for the future.

Northshore and Woodinville Fire & Rescue are open to exploring the potential of combining or consolidating services where it creates efficiencies in services. Both organizations are committed to their respective communities by utilizing existing personnel and resources to find ways to better serve their residents.

Meadowdale High School recognized

Lynnwood’s Meadowdale High School has been chosen as a recipient of the German American Partnership Program “School of Distinction” school plaque award for its exceptional partnership in fostering long-term German American youth exchange between the U.S. and Germany.

The GAPP “School of Distinction” school plaque award is sponsored by GAPP and its partners to recognize outstanding GAPP Schools in the U.S. for their engagement and best practices that facilitate youth change in their school, community, and beyond.

For the past 17 years, Meadowdale High School has successfully developed and integrated the German American Partnership Program in grades 9 through 12.

Since 2003, the MHS GAPP Coordinator, Sean Griffin, has been organizing the exchange with the Wilhelmsgymnasium in Kassel and the Carl-Bantzer Schule in Schwalmstadt, bringing students together with host families in their respective countries, building lasting relationships between teachers, administrators, schools and the participating communities.

“We are very proud to award our GAPP School of Distinction to Meadowdale High School. With this recognition we highlight and celebrate the school’s dedication to student growth, inclusion of global perspectives, and celebrate the endless work of everyone who is involved in the GAPP exchange,” said Molly Rowland, GAPP executive director.

Lynnwood earns award

The Association of Washington Cities recently released a list of the cities, towns, and other local governments that have earned the distinguished WellCity designation. The city of Lynnwood is among this year’s recipients. This recognition is bestowed to entities that meet the AWC Employee Benefit Trust’s stringent WellCity standards and demonstrate a commitment to employee health.

WellCity recipients are all part of the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, Washington State’s largest local government employee health benefit pool for cities, towns, and other local governments. Celebrating its 50 year anniversary, the Trust provides health benefits to more than 260 public entities and more than 36,000 employees and family members across the state.

“Employers that place employee health among their core values, and demonstrate that belief through healthy workplace policies, environments, and wellness programs, empower their employees to value and maintain good health. Both the employer and the community benefit from more productive employees, it’s a win for everyone,” said Peter B. King, AWC chief executive officer.