City Council, Fire Chief Thank Voters

Published on November 04, 2020

Three Kirkland firefighters standing in front of Station 22 with Thank You signs

Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – As of 8:07 pm on November 3, 2020, King County Elections reported that City of Kirkland Proposition 1, the Fire & Emergency Medical Services Ballot Measure, is passing with 72.54% of votes in favor of the measure. This levy generates approximately $7.3 million per year to fund the construction of a new fire station, modernizing and seismically renovating existing fire stations, and hiring additional firefighter/EMTs and staff.

“The City Council wishes to express our profound gratitude to Kirkland voters for overwhelmingly supporting these critical investments,” says Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “Your approval ensures that as Kirkland continues to grow and thrive, our Fire Department will have the resources to provide the high level of service that our community depends on for health and safety.”

The ballot measure includes $3.7 million a year toward the construction of new station 27 in Totem Lake, modernization and seismic renovations of station 22 in Houghton, 21 in Forbes Creek, 26 in N. Rose Hill, and a temporary fire station to house firefighter/EMTs while stations are renovated. The levy also includes $3.6 million per year for investments in additional firefighter/EMTs, maintenance, and operations. Specifically, it allows the Fire Department to acquire pandemic response equipment, including replenishing and stockpiling personal protection equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, gloves, gowns, and other resources.

“On behalf of every Kirkland Firefighter, thank you to our community. Every second matters when responding to fire and emergency medical calls,” explains Kirkland Fire Chief Joe Sanford. “Your faith in us allows the Kirkland Fire Department to adapt and evolve to keep our community and our firefighters safe. Passing this levy provides critical funding for staffing and facilities so we can respond to calls as quickly as possible in order to save property and lives.”

For more information about Kirkland’s Fire & Emergency Medical Services Ballot Measure, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/fireballot2020.

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