Snoqualmie Fire Department outlines 2024 achievements and 2025 initiatives

The City of Snoqualmie held its 2025 State of the City meeting on April 16, 2025, where various department heads provided updates on accomplishments from the previous year and outlined goals for the upcoming year.

The meeting began with an overview from the Fire Department, led by Chief Ross. He reported that in 2024, the department responded to a record 17,015 calls for service and completed over 7,000 training hours. The department successfully retained its reaccredited status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International for another five years, which involved a comprehensive self-assessment and the creation of a five-year strategic plan. To address staffing needs, three new firefighters were hired in 2024, with an additional three planned for 2025 to manage increasing call volumes and reduce overtime stress on existing staff. The Chief also highlighted the importance of emergency management training and the upcoming celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Snoqualmie Fire Station, which will include the unveiling of a new fire engine designed for improved health and safety.

Next, Captain Gary Hiracy from the Police Department shared that 2024 was a productive year, with the department achieving full staffing levels for patrol officers. A new substation opened at the North Bend Allen Mall, which has led to a significant decrease in shoplifting and burglary incidents. The overall crime rate in Snoqualmie declined by 10%, maintaining its status as one of Washington's top ten safest cities. The department is working towards accreditation and has remodeled part of the old police station to enhance operations. A new contract with the police union has also been established, which aims to reduce overtime and improve officer well-being.

Fletcher LeCroy, head of the IT department, reported on significant upgrades made in 2024, including improvements to the fire station's phone system and the installation of a new AV system in council chambers. The department is focused on a network modernization project in 2025 to enhance reliability and internet speeds, as well as transitioning to a cloud-based phone system for greater efficiency.

Interim Community Development Director Mona Davis concluded the updates by discussing the adoption of the comprehensive plan periodic update, titled Snoqualmie 2044, which will guide the city's growth over the next two decades.

The meeting highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, and planning for sustainable growth, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.