Changes coming in Snohomish Regional Fire, Rescue service

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue serves 180,655 residents in the cities of Lake Stevens, Monroe and unincorporated southeast Snohomish County. It also provides emergency services to the city of Mill Creek on a contract basis through 2022.

SRFR’s contract with Mill Creek will expire at the end of the year. The contract was not renewed because our agency felt strongly that our residents do not subsidize fire and EMS service for Mill Creek.

Loss of the Mill Creek contract will not impact the quality or level of emergency services district residents receive. SRFR is financially sound and can weather the revenue loss. In fact, we’re hiring firefighters and paramedics to respond to higher call volumes, adding two deputy fire marshals and a medical services officer, improving firefighter training programs, and completing fire station projects district wide.

We have an excellent working relationship with South County Fire, which is the agency that will serve Mill Creek residents. SRFR and South County Fire already respond to emergency calls together as part of a cooperative agreement that the closest unit responds.

SRFR is an exceptional organization providing the highest level of care for residents. Our cardiac save rate is twice the national average. In addition to fire and EMS, we’re in local schools teaching fire and life safety, offer safety classes for seniors and children, as well as CPR, first aid, and fire extinguisher use.

This is possible because of your personal and financial support; and we are grateful. Please reach out if we can ever be of service.

Kevin O’Brien

Fire Chief

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue

Monroe

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Trump’s aid cut will cost U.S. influence

The last time the U.S. pulled back its aid to other countries,… Continue reading

Musk’s financial access is a threat to personal data, payments

Recently Elon Musk along with six young men between 19-24 were able… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

Trump’s attempt to end it, almost certainly unconstitutional, won’t fix the nation’s problems at its borders.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.