As we reflect in the aftermath of last Thursday’s blaze at the Port of Everett waterfront, we wish to express our gratitude to the men and women whose bravery that evening saved lives, saved property and saved a community vision long in the making.
To our valued first responders throughout Snohomish County and north King County who supported this four-alarm fire response, we thank you for your dedicated service to our community. Because of your swift and professional actions, your extensive training, experience and equipment inventory, and most importantly, your combined valiant sacrifice, we, the community, have far less tragic circumstances to endure. Buildings and infrastructure can be replaced, but not lives. Your efforts resulted in no major injuries or loss of life, and for that we are endlessly grateful.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the many firefighters, medics and fire personnel that were on scene fighting this fire, and to all fire departments in Snohomish County who exhausted all available resources to aid in this successful response. Thank you to Everett Fire and Police Departments and all surrounding Fire Departments and the District who provided mutual-aid, including Arlington Fire Department, Marysville Fire District, Mukilteo Fire, Naval Station Everett Fire, Snohomish County Airport Fire Department, Snohomish County Fire Districts No. 4, No. 7 and No. 22, and South Snohomish Fire and Rescue who supported on-site efforts, as well as Bothell Fire Department, Northshore Fire Department, Woodinville Fire and Rescue, and Shoreline Fire Department who responded by staffing fire stations in Everett.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our local law enforcement officers with the Everett Police Department who secured the site, supported traffic control during the response, and are supporting follow up efforts and investigation. Thank you to Port of Everett staff and to our many community partners who also supported public safety, including Snohomish County Public Utility District and Puget Sound Energy who quickly cut services in the area, City of Everett Public Works who monitored reservoir levels and water quality and assisted with traffic signals affected by power outages, and BNSF Railways who ensured safety on the mainline.
Lastly, but most certainly not least, to the brave community of neighbors who worked together to help each other protect their property. From boaters banding together here at the Marina to our neighbors on the bluff helping each other protect their homes, thank you.
This was an all hands-on deck effort, and an exemplary example of a community that comes together when it matters most. We look forward to rebuilding and realizing our collective vision for the waterfront and its future.
Lisa Lefeber
Port of Everett
John Shaw
SeaLevel Properties
Giuseppe Augello
Gracorp
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