Editor,

The South Whidbey Fire/EMS Fire Fair on July 27 provided me the rare chance to get up close to each large fire truck and learn from experts how they help firefighters do their vital jobs as first responders, who show up when we need them to save us from fires and other life threatening emergencies.

What struck me was that current costs add up to a combined replacement value of $8.1 million. I learned that the district always takes a conservative approach when replacing costly equipment by keeping it all well maintained.

Whenever replacements are necessary, due diligence ensures that costs are kept down, which benefits the district and us taxpayers.

A recent case was when the district took title to a new fire truck, a demo model in perfect condition but discounted $120,000.

Last, but not least, I learned the many ways our firefighters serve us. For example, in metro areas, most water comes from mains.

Here it often is hauled by tender, or tank truck. Structural fires can require that a thousand feet plus of heavy hose be reeled out and positioned.

Beyond the obvious, our firefighters also rescue those who fall from beach bluffs, get stuck in sand at low tide or experience an emergency while on the water or the highway.

Dedicated first responders with South Whidbey Fire/EMS stand ready to help in emergency situations of all kinds. So let’s complete the circle by always supporting them through our tax dollars.

Mike Noblet

Candidate for South Whidbey Fire/EMS Board, Position 2

Clinton