As the Fire Chief of South King Fire & Rescue, I want to take a few moments to address all of the citizens we serve about an unfortunate series of events surrounding your fire department.

These series of events were created by one individual who formerly held an entrusted financial position within our fire department; an individual who betrayed the trust placed in him by me, our fire department, and our citizens.

The issues surrounding the misuse of public funds for personal gain by the aforementioned former member of South King Fire & Rescue have already been seen on television and read across various newspapers. I will not go into more detail about them here, as they will all be dealt with via our legal system.

I prefer instead to address all of our citizens regarding the outstanding men and women who make up South King Fire & Rescue, and the pure fact that one misguided individual should not in any way decrease the level of trust you have placed in our dedicated personnel who serve you all every day.

The firefighters, officers, and support staff of South King Fire & Rescue all feel betrayed and hurt by the recent events that have been amply covered in the media.

These same individuals also come to work every day ready to put their lives on the line to serve you and to be there on a moments notice whenever anyone in our community needs our help. They serve you with integrity; they give back to the community through their charitable organizations (such as the "Firefighter's Foundation" and the "Aid Fund"); and they annually spearhead a drive to gather food and toys for the less than privileged members of the Federal Way, Des Moines and unincorporated King County communities we serve.

Our employees are exceptional, and I am very proud of each and every one of them!!!!!!

Your fire department is strong, both operationally as well as financially. Your fire department is regarded as a leader in the fire service statewide. Your fire department will always be there whenever anyone needs our assistance. The reason for our fire department being so strong is our people; the members of our department, who will never take for granted the trust you have placed in them.

I ask that each and every citizen understand that the betrayal of one individual should not reflect on the other 160 upstanding and hard working members of our organization. Thank you for that understanding, and thank you for your ongoing support of the fire department. We will always be there when you need us!!!

Our personnel truly put "service above self" and take to heart their commitment to our mission statement: "We help people by responding with professional fire department services."

Al Church

Chief,

South Fire & Rescue