I've been a SeaTac Fire Fighter for 14 years, and I want to make sure people in SeaTac are aware of the importance of Proposition 1, which will be on their September Primary Ballot.

I'm asking you to vote Yes on Proposition 1. Proposition 1 will address some important safety and service problems we have been aware of for some time.

An important aspect of our jobs is to get to you in a fast and safe manner when you're in. Logically, this takes equipment and on-duty firefighters. Our on-duty staffing has stayed the same for almost 15 years, but the number of emergency calls we respond to has increased by close to 67 percent.

That's a huge discrepancy in what we are capable of doing and what we are expected to do. We're relying too heavily on mutual aid from nearby cities and fire districts, which means that the time that it takes for help to arrive is significantly longer than it should be.

Proposition 1 will provide for additional firefighters, a ladder truck and a full time aid car. These are all resources that are needed in timely manners to provide necessary help during emergencies.

Additionally, an evaluation of our fire stations told us that they are not structurally sound, and would be in danger of collapse if we have an earthquake or other natural or man-made catastrophe.

Can you imagine? In SeaTac's worst moment, our fire stations (and therefore fire engines and aid cars) would be completely out of service. As a firefighter, I am hard pressed to imagine a worse scenario.

Please make sure you vote in the September 19 Primary election, and please vote YES on Proposition 1. We need to keep SeaTac safe. Proposition 1 represents a level of service that is not only needed, but deserved by the citizens.

Richard Knight, President

City of SeaTac Fire Fighters

Local 2919