Disqus - Latest Comments for VOTE4EMS

Re: School, fire district need to cut back like the rest of us - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:20:44 -0000

philipcarol1,
Are you referring to a few years ago when SKFR staffed the Bethel station with 24/7 emergency response personnel? If so, I believe they moved in a older, 1989, refurbished firetruck to minimize costs of staffing that station. Not "new" by any means! Being in the construction field myself, I can confidently say that a small remodel and getting a bigger door to accommodate an old firetruck is a lot less expensive then buying a new truck to fit the smaller "hole". Very fiscally responsible in my mind. Or did you read about another door that I didn't?

As for the "threats" you refer to. I commend Chief Senter on letting the citizens know what the outcome "could" be if this levy fails. Not threats, just some info for them to chew on, let's just hope we don't have to go there! How' bout looking at the positives....... When this levy passes, another station in the Manchester area gets staffed, decreasing response times for the entire growing South Kitsap area. Will this help you or your family or friends that live in South Kitsap if they need the fire department? I'm pretty sure it will!!! I think that's worth $3-5 a month! You?

Re: Even in lean times, safety has to be our first consideration - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:52:59 -0000

Sarahmahan,
In no way was I trying to be arrogant or trying to produce a guilty feeling from you! You stated yourself, "Your statistics and numbers are very confusing, fit123" & "I'm not sure how to vote on the SKFR levy yet. They quote a lot of numbers and weird abbreviations that I don't understand," So I thought I'd make an attempt and define three numbers that matter. It's obvious to me though that you have your mind made up, and would rather get defensive then listen.

I am not a employee of SKFR, in fact I don't even live in the area. However, I do have a vested interest in this levy because I have family (infant & elderly) that both work and reside there and I'm very concerned about what's to come for them if this levy fails. So if you want to go on being on the defense, more power to ya! It's just unfortunate that we have people out there that are more concerned that local gov't is out to get them then to actually step up and take responsibility and pay the $40 a year for and amazing service and help build a very livable community!! Good Luck!!

Re: The only thing special about special levies is the waste - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:45:19 -0000

Seeswithxrays
It's kind of like your hundreds-of-thousands of useless posts!! Getting the picture yet? By the way how's UIS treating you?

Re: Even in lean times, safety has to be our first consideration - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:23:46 -0000

BosBoy & SarahMahan,
I can not believe that you would even consider what you said as an acceptable justification for saving $3 a month. One day, hopefully later than sooner, you or someone you love will need the fire department in some fashion,and guess what? They'll be there!! Ask the person who's baby stopped breathing how long an 8 minute response time was! Ask your teenager how long an 8 minute response time was as they were entrapped in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver. Ask your neighbor how long an 8 minute response time was when all their treasures they worked so hard for were burning up in their house. It doesn't matter if you live in Bellevue, Seattle or South Kitsap! I can't believe you said that!!!!

Re: Even in lean times, safety has to be our first consideration - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:01:39 -0000

SarahMahan,
Here are three numbers that aren't so confusing, 4, 1.1 million, and 30!!

Let's talk about the 4 first! SKFR currently has a very good ISO rating of 4, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst. Your homeowners insurance company uses this number to determine how much to charge you for the fire/ems response portion of your premium. SKFR has worked hard over the years maintaining, stations, hiring personnel, decreasing response times, and upgrading water supplies so you as a homeowners get the best rate possible. If the levy fails 4 stations will be closed, you'll have no paramedic service, response times will reach upwards of 20+ minutes, and no one to staff tenders for water supplies. Think SKFR's ISO rating will go up? Pretty sure it will so guess what? So will your insurance premium, and I can almost guarantee it will be more then the $3 p/month SKFR is asking for!

The second number, 1.1 million. If I were a investment firm and told you for about $40 a year I could guarantee you a return of 1.1 million dollars, would you bite? I'm thinking you would! Well, as of right now if this EMS levy passes in May, SKFR will be awarded 1.1 million dollars from the gov't in grant form. If the levy fails, they can't accept the grant money, which means 12 new firefighter/Emts will not be staffing a station in the Manchester area. decreasing response times throughout the south county. Can you really argue with $1,999,997 free dollars? Didn't think so!

Last but certainly not least, 30! I'm going to try and tug at your heartstrings here. If this levy fails 30 people at SKFR will lose their jobs. These people, a lot of them being dedicated to SKFR and it's citizens for more then 15 years, will not have a career anymore. To become a professional firefighter/EMT or paramedic takes years of training, testing, and yes a college degree. If you have 1 year of work experience or 15 years and you get laid off, you have to start at the beginning trying to find a new job in the fire service. Takes about a year, minimum. All these people that are at risk of termination have spent many years risking their lives saving people and property in your community without thinking twice about it. Is this how we say thanks? A lot of these men and women support their families on this single income, and it would be devastating to them if they were to lose their careers. If anything let's start thinking about what's morally (is that how it's spelled Seeswithxrays) right and take care of our neighbors, not just how bad we want that double tall latte this Saturday morning.

For what amounts to one coffee or one rented video on Friday night each month we can keep great fire and emergency medical services, win 1.1 million dollars, keep your insurance premiums low, and help our friends and neighbors keep their careers through this trying economical time! So, if all these facts, figures and numbers start getting the best of you again just remember 4, 1.1 million, and 30 for 3 dollars! Please VOTE YES FOR EMS in May!!!!

Re: The only thing special about special levies is the waste - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:38:48 -0000

Hmm... That's funny, I recall there being fire stations that are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Yep, you could go in and get help at 3 a.m. Christmas morning if you wanted! BTW, I'm sure Chief Wayne Senters' hours are longer then 8-5!!!

Re: The only thing special about special levies is the waste - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 03:48:15 -0000

Seewithxrays
Feel free to go into any station, anytime and anyone would be willing to show you the PUBLICLY OPEN budget which does include the line item for the Chief's salary, if it's that important to you!

Re: SKFR levy kickoff slated - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 03:33:26 -0000

Hmmmm, did anyone hear something?

Re: The only thing special about special levies is the waste - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:24:05 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: Some day, you'll need fire district's help - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:41:01 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: Why can't SKFR just ask for an extension? - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:40:26 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: Fire chief's threats not appreciated - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:40:03 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: Fire chief just preying on our fears - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:39:22 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: SKFR levy kickoff slated - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:38:46 -0000

Re: Fire levy a small price to pay for peace of mind - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:37:38 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: SKFR resorting to scare tactics again - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:37:12 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!

Re: Fire district needs to lower its sights - Port Orchard Independent

VOTE4EMS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:36:56 -0000

Please show your support for South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's 2009 Emergency Medical Services Levy. Join the members of YOUR fire department and other citizens tomorrow January 17th, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. @ Fred Meyer's on Sedgwick Rd. Members will be there taking blood pressures, answering questions and providing facts on this years’ EMS Levy, while waving signs at the Sedgwick/ Bethel intersection!! The more the merrier, let's pack that intersection! Very kid friendly so bring the whole family!!!! Hope to see you there!!