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South County Fire board votes to restore staffing at Mill Creek’s Fire Station 76 after council, residents press for reversal
Summary
Following meetings between Mill Creek officials and South County Fire commissioners and a public turnout, commissioners approved a motion to restore prior staffing, a move city officials said should return the medic-equipped crew to Station 76 by midday the following day.
The Mill Creek City Council said Tuesday that South County Fire’s board voted to restore the previous staffing model at Fire Station 76 after the city and residents pressed the district to reverse a redeployment. Council members, staff and residents had objected to the redeployment earlier this month and requested a meeting with the fire district.
What happened: The mayor and council reported that they met with South County Fire commissioners and that the board took up restoration of staffing at a board meeting. According to the mayor’s account, a motion to restore the staffing model was moved by Commissioner Whitis and seconded by Commissioner Chan and passed 4–2, with “no” votes from Kenny and Lawrence. The mayor said the expectation was that staffing and the medic unit would be restored by midday the following day.
Why it mattered: Council members and residents had criticized the district for changing staffing and redeploying a medic, arguing the move reduced local emergency capability and that communications between the district and Mill Creek leaders were insufficient. Council members described the situation as a failure of communication and credited residents’ turnout and council presence at the South County Fire meeting with influencing the outcome.
Council and next steps: City officials said they plan to follow up on communications procedures and urged continued coordination; the mayor proposed a ‘‘push-in’’ ceremony to formally accept the restored engine and celebrate restored staffing. Council members also discussed the need for clearer liaison arrangements after the city’s formal liaison position with the fire district lapsed, amplifying communication gaps.
Ending: City leaders asked residents to remain engaged and thanked community members and councilors who attended the South County Fire meeting. The city said it would continue to monitor South County Fire’s staffing and communications going forward.
