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Residents urge Kaysville to let voters decide Westside station as response times and first‑responder mental health concerns rise
Summary
Two residents urged the council to send the Westside Fire Station proposal to voters, citing growing Westside population, longer response times and research linking delayed responses to moral injury and PTSD among first responders.
Two residents used the public‑comment period to press the council to place the proposed Westside Fire Station bond on the ballot and highlighted public‑safety and mental‑health stakes.
David Earhart of West Kaysville said population growth on the city's west side will increase the need for timely EMS and firefighting responses. "The Westside Fire Station will never be cheaper," Earhart said, urging the council to give voters the choice on November 3.
Barry Toon, founder of 1st Watch Wellness, described "moral injury" as a condition related to but distinct from PTSD. Toon said recent studies show a correlation between slow response times and longer‑term mental‑health consequences for firefighters and EMTs and asked the council to factor that harm into their deliberations. "This is real. This is not just an emotional argument. This is scientific," he said.
Council members acknowledged both speakers and staff noted follow‑up outreach and public‑information efforts. The council subsequently voted to place the bond proposal on the November ballot.
