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		SUMMIT Foundation 6530 15th Avenue North East Seattle, Washington 98115 (206) 525-3097 August 12, 1998 Tina Podlodowski, Seattle City Councilwomen City of Seattle 600 4th Avenue Seattle, Washington 98104 Dear Ms. Podlodowski, Once again, I write with regard to the future of the Seattle Fire Department. Having written in the past and received no response, my group of Seattle Fire Department supporters is concerned that the city does not take our dedication to our mission seriously. We have opted to write again, via standard mail rather than electronic mail in an effort to be heard. Frankly, we hope to be able to achieve our goals through reasoned discourse and understanding, rather than pursue an adversarial approach. Our immediate concern is in regard to rumors we've been hearing about the potential closure of stations in the city, in an effort to redistribute manpower. This is alleged to help the department meet new regulations which require 4-person engine companies. In the event this is a possibility, SUMMIT would like to express grave concern for any such consideration. Recently, the department endeavored to determine response times for fire service within the city. From the information SUMMIT has obtained, this study determined that there are a number of areas within the city's jurisdiction which are under-protected. It is said that even the fire chief's home isn't adequately protected. Simple logic would dictate that if we were lacking adequate coverage within the city before such a redeployment of manpower through the closure of stations, aren't we placing ourselves in harm's way as we decrease coverage further? Part of the justification behind such a redeployment and closure dictates that other close-in units would respond and 'cover the gap.' If the Seattle Fire Department were fortunate enough to have a surplus of resources, this would be a viable plan. In fact, the budgetary increases the department has received over the past 10 years has failed to even keep up with the cost of living. The SFD has needed a viable training facility, qualified trainers for leadership positions, additional manpower and equipment for many years. Instead, the department has been required to make cuts in these areas in order to work within a significantly restricted budget. We don't wish to sound melodramatic, but the point needs to be made: If we don't give our best to this resource, which we all claim to value, what's our future hold? Continued cuts mean longer response times. For the record, they teach that brain-death occurs after six minutes - and that a fire doubles in ferocity every minute. Many of the emergency managers we rely on are in preparation for 'the big one.' What will happen when we've cut the department to the bone? SUMMIT's position is simple: There needs to be a substantial change of attitude with regard to The Seattle Fire Department. Rather than continuing to look for ways to cut, we must turn the ship around and invest in our future. More funds need to be allocated during the next budget. We must determine what our priorities are and stand behind them. If the Medic One Levy campaign can be used as an indicator, the public stands behind their fire department. The City Council doesn't appear to, however. If they do, it hasn't been apparent! In closing, I'd like to take the opportunity to say that SUMMIT is very concerned for the future of the Seattle Fire Department. As we continue to build our organization, our intention is to continue to advocate for better management of the department, increased funding and better treatment of fire fighters. These men and women have long given us their best, surpassing many other professions in their desire to 'go the extra mile.' If they can give us their best, even in trying times, shouldn't we do the same? Thank you for your time. Bob Nelson, Executive Chair SUMMIT Foundation

	Building the Finest Fire Service in the World - Right in Our Own Back Yard