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East Pierce Fire & Rescue warns of dry spring, highlights recruitment event and memorial attendance
Summary
Chief Parkinson told the Public Safety Committee May 12 that the department could not provide packet statistics because federal reporting changes have delayed vendor data; he highlighted a recruitment 'gear up' event that drew more than 100 people, attendance at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, and reminded residents that May is wildfire-preparedness month amid a dry spring.
Chief Parkinson, East Pierce Fire & Rescue, told the Bonney Lake Public Safety Committee on May 12 that the department had no operational statistics in the meeting packet because a federal reporting-system change and vendor transitions prevented delivery. "You will note that you still do not have any stats in your packet," he said.
Parkinson said the department ran a new recruitment event dubbed "gear up" that was aimed at helping prospective candidates understand the application process and background requirements; he said the event attracted more than 100 people. "It was really good," he said, noting high public interest in careers in the fire and rescue service.
Parkinson also described the department's recent trip to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where organizers recognized 203 firefighters who died in the line of duty, including Deputy Chief Mack. He invited council members to two upcoming memorials: the Washington State Fallen Firefighters Memorial (June 14) and the International Association of Fire Fighters memorial in Colorado Springs.
On wildfire risk, Parkinson said May is wildfire-preparedness month and that the region has experienced a significantly dry spring. He said local departments and the county are launching training and preparedness events and that residents should monitor conditions and the department's outreach.
The report contained no new department performance statistics; Parkinson told the committee his staff expects the vendor-provided statistics to arrive once federal reporting adjustments complete. He offered to answer follow-up questions and to share upcoming training and memorial details with council members.
