Mill Creek city leaders reported that South County Fire commissioners voted to restore five‑person staffing with a medic at Fire Station 76 following public pressure and council engagement. Mayor and council members said they met with South County Fire representatives and that commissioners notified them a restoration motion passed 4–2 after prior debate and an earlier tie vote with an abstention.

Why it matters: Fire Station 76 serves Mill Creek neighborhoods. Council members said the decision followed persistent resident and elected‑official outreach, and they emphasized the need for more regular interjurisdictional communications to avoid future operational changes that affect Mill Creek services.

What happened: Council leaders said they met with South County Fire officials and the commission’s intergovernmental affairs group. According to the council’s report back to the meeting, Commissioner Chan and Commissioner Rowland engaged in outreach; the commission later took up the staffing question and, per the council’s report, a motion by Commissioner Wittes, seconded by Commissioner Chan, passed 4–2 restoring staffing. Council members said one commissioner told them he may disagree operationally with the redeployment but would support restoration for political reasons.

Council reaction and next steps: Mill Creek representatives said they want a more regular liaison and better transparency from South County Fire; one councilor criticized the lack of recording for some commission work sessions and urged a structured liaison to avoid surprises. The mayor and council expressed appreciation for the residents and organized groups who attended commission meetings, and suggested a public push‑in ceremony for the station’s recently delivered engine once local coordination is finalized.

Scope and limits: The restoration action occurred at the South County Fire commission; Mill Creek’s council reported and responded but did not take a direct vote on the commission’s action at the city meeting. Council members said they will follow up with South County Fire on scheduling and improved liaison arrangements.