My letter is to the citizens of Buckley in regards to the Buckley Fire Department and their quest for a new fire station. The current Buckley fire station was originally built in 1951. The building has seen few changes throughout its history and is now shared by both the Buckley police and fire departments.

With the growth of the community, the needs and demands on the fire department have grown exponentially, yet the station has remained as it was originally constructed. Currently, the fire department manages nearly 1,200 calls each year. To support this, the department is directed by Chief Alan Predmore and a staff of approximately 46 volunteers. The station, currently located on Cedar Street, houses two engines, a basic life support response vehicle and an advanced life support medic response vehicle. There simply is no additional room for needed expansion in this 60-year-old structure.

To support the increasing demand of fire services, we must be proactive and respond to the future needs of our community. A proposal will be presented to the voters very shortly to authorize the construction of a new fire station. The station has been designed in a cooperative venture involving members of the community, local government officials, firefighters and many others to insure that this station will meet the needs of the community now and decades to come. As costs of construction continue to grow, the time to meet these needs should not be delayed.

I urge each of you to support your fire department with a “yes” vote.

Cody J. Isbell

Enumclaw