After one year, Bothell reports stable fire operations under Shoreline executive-services interlocal agreement

After one year under an executive-services interlocal agreement with Shoreline Fire, Bothell staff reported that administrative leadership provided by Shoreline has stabilized the Bothell Fire Department and produced measurable operational and maintenance improvements.

Shoreline Chief Matt Cowan — who has served as Bothell’s fire chief since the interlocal agreement took effect June 1, 2024 — and Bothell staff presented findings at the June 3 study session. City Manager and Chief Cowan reviewed the interlocal agreement’s scope and emphasized that Bothell retains its firefighters, apparatus and stations while Shoreline provides executive-level administration.

Division Chief Kelly Cross, who described herself as a long‑time Bothell employee, said, “In the first year of the executive ILA, we’ve seen an improvement in a more stabilized leadership structure.” Staff reported several specific operational gains: an expanded, hands‑on training program (including more live‑fire and technical‑rescue hours), a revamped EMS quality‑assurance process, and unified…