A representative from Central Mason Fire briefed the Shelton City Council on Jan. 13, reporting an overall decline in call volume in the district for 2025 compared with 2024 and outlining service types, public-education activities and staffing changes.

The presenter said the drop in calls partly reflects the district stopping interfacility unit transports in 2024 (roughly 1,000 calls a year previously) and still described robust community outreach, CPR training and station tours. The district plans to build a local training facility near Highway 3 at Krappenhof Road to reduce travel for hands-on training currently done in other counties.

The fire representative also announced retirements among senior leaders: Chief Jeff Snyder and Deputy Chief Greg Gator will retire next month, prompting interim leadership adjustments. The district provides advanced-life-support paramedic coverage for much of Mason County and said it serves about 183 square miles.

Council members asked about a recent spike in discovered needles downtown; the presenter said seasonal variation exists and cited outreach and treatment-court cases where treatment plus housing improved outcomes for individuals. No formal council action followed the presentation.