I was saddened to learn of the dismissal of Robert Merritt, former chief of Snohomish County Fire District 4. His leadership of and vision for that department is most likely not widely known by many of the people who are protected by the fine group of men and women known as Snohomish Fire/Rescue. As a former Snohomish firefighter, and currently a deputy chief in Seattle, I have great admiration for Chief Merritt and feel compelled to offer the following.
What was once a small and challenged (but definitely dedicated) team of community volunteers is now a highly respected, modern fire, rescue and emergency medical agency. Chief Merritt was able to maintain a solid cadre of dedicated individuals who provide professional service to nearly 30,000 people. He has worked to provide a core of career firefighters to carry a large share of the emergency and administrative work.
The program in Snohomish is a model being copied and used nationwide. For communities the size of Snohomish a combination fire department makes great sense. The cost of enough full-time career firefighters to provide the same level of service would be staggering. But that seems to be the direction the commissioners want to go. It’s a bad idea. The current mix of career and volunteers is the best approach. Those dissatisfied with this concept should be prepared to pay higher taxes or settle for a reduced level of service. Judging from the recent double failure of a levy, the higher tax option doesn’t look promising.
The board that fired Chief Merritt should carefully consider its options. Hire a few more career firefighters and risk losing many of the current volunteers and hope there is never an incident that overwhelms the now much smaller department. Or let go of personal agendas, reconsider the priorities, desires and needs of the of the community and find ways to keep building a great program.
Brian Mills
Seattle Fire Department
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