SUMMIT Foundation

6530 15th Avenue North East

Seattle, Washington 98115

(206) 525-3097

March 26, 1998

Mayor Paul Schell

City of Seattle

600 4th Avenue

Seattle, Washington 98104

Dear Mayor Schell,

Thank you for a few moments of your time.

While I was hoping to be able to get directly to the point, it appears that I'm required to spend some time explaining who the SUMMIT Foundation is. Many have asked our intentions in recent past, and I'm sure you would ask the same question.

For several years I performed the role of field supervisor as a volunteer for the American Red Cross in King County, working alongside fire fighters to care for those affected by disaster. On the fateful night of January 5, 1995, I worked with members of the Seattle Fire Department on the site of the Pang Warehouse - an event which had a substantial impact on many lives, including my own.

The experience of Pang brought me to a point where I vowed to do my part to make the lives of those who take care of this community a little better. From that day forward, I have been privileged to learn the frustrations and fears of the men and women who protect us. From these pieces, the SUMMIT Foundation was created.

Simply put, SUMMIT intends to provide assistance to the men and women of the Seattle Fire Department. But our vision doesn't stop there: We would like to enjoy the premier fire service in the world - right here in our own back yard. A 'grass-roots' organization of 47 members (and growing steadily), it is our belief that if we care for those who care for us, our community will become stronger.

It is with this spirit that action is taken on our part.

Over an extended period of time I have heard a wide variety of complaints from an even wider variety of fire fighters, emergency medical service personnel, supervisors and support staff. In an effort to better understand the issues, I proposed to create a survey and elicit the input of as many members of the department as possible. Obviously, this proved to be a major undertaking which opened a can of worms.

Attached, please find a complete copy of the survey questions and answers. This survey was not intended to be 'scientific' or even to be released to anybody when the project started. However, as the project continued I found an amazing array of information which caused me to have even more concern. Out of this concern, I have felt compelled to increase my efforts to encourage positive changes within the Seattle Fire Department.

As a citizen group, I'd like to express that we have some serious concerns for the future of the Seattle Fire Department. For future reference, I'd like to briefly touch on the highlights of a few of these concerns:

We seriously question the quality of life which Chief Sewell can offer to fire fighters and citizens. His history in the last 10 months clearly indicate that he has been unable to gain the confidence of citizens or fire fighters and, rather, has consistently let down both.

Although our research is not complete, all indications are that Deputy Chief Greg Dean has been, and continues to be, an enormous financial liability to this city. We do not understand what resources he brings to the city which have allowed him to continue in his position while we continue to pay for his actions.

The 'prefire program' which was intended to become a tool for the safety of fire fighters and civilians has become a nightmare. As an objective observer, a business manager and owner, an emergency services worker and, last but not least, a computer systems engineer, I took great pains to understand the origin of the prefire system. I understand it's potential and drawbacks. I also understand the politics which have played-out behind the scene. A few simple questions can be asked which will summarize the stature of the prefire program: Are there any plans in place to prefire major gathering spots, such as public schools or sports facilities? The answer will astonish you.

Additionally, we are concerned about these issues: funding, training, safety and leadership. According to my numbers, it would appear that the Seattle Fire Department has not enjoyed a budget increase since 1987 while the cost to conduct business has

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

increased. Something must give under such confinement, and that has been personnel. Staffing in the department has dropped by approximately 20 personnel in the same period of time -- while the work load has consistently increased. Meanwhile, I hear people saying that the department has become more 'streamlined and efficient.' This would be an inaccurate statement. What it really means is that not all of the work is getting done, specifically drills which are intended to keep fire fighters on the edge of their craft.

Will the community support the fire service? I believe that if we put together a marketing strategy which informs the public and fosters their support, and a leader at the helm who can do the same, the public would gladly buy into the program.

It was with great interest I watched you on Channel 28 recently. I wanted to decide for myself the kind of person I believe you are. I walked away from the session with profound awe of your style and abilities. Never before have I felt so strongly that, "This is THE GUY for the job." It is with that sense of respect that this letter was written.

Our group has no interest to become a 'political body.' Our mission is single-minded and will remain so. Frankly, we'd rather be taking cookies to the fire fighters than to be embroiled in political activities. In short, we don't wish for you to see us as a political threat - rather, we hope you will consider us an ally in this quest. While we would appreciate the opportunity to be at the table for policy and decision making in the future, we also do not wish to appear to be making demands.

Again, thank you for your consideration of this matter. If you should have any questions or require any clarification on any point, don't hesitate to contact me.

Bob Nelson, Executive Chair

SUMMIT Foundation