EFR firefighters issue holiday charity challenge
Firefighters with Eastside Fire and Rescue Local 2878 have had an ongoing food drive program for more than 10 years, tying public education programs and community events to their year-round food drives.
This year, A-shift firefighters for EFR decided to do something different by challenging everyone in the agency to do their part in helping to raise money, food and toys for the needy.
In the past, firefighters would coordinate getting the overflowing stacks of food and toys dropped off by citizens to the local food banks. This year, there has been a decrease in the number of people donating to the program, especially during the holiday season.
“The A-shift challenge has been good for the members of Eastside Fire and Rescue, because we come together to help others in need,” said firefighter Ryan Anderson. “Not only have the firefighters gotten involved, but our support staff has as well, donating food and toys.”
The real challenge has been to get as many members of the agency involved in donating to struggling families and to help local food banks. A-Shift makes up approximately 39 out of the 123 career personnel in the agency. Firefighters were able to purchase food, toys and donate money to families in need, as well as deliver large amounts of food to the Issaquah Food Bank this year.
EFR serves communities including North Bend, Wilderness Rim, Preston, Carnation, Tiger Mountain, Sammamish, Issaquah and May Valley.
Rodne tapped for house committee
State Rep. Jay Rodne of North Bend has been reappointed as the ranking Republican member of the Washington House Judiciary Committee.
“I’m honored that my Republican colleagues have entrusted me with this leadership position,” said Rodne. “I am looking forward to working with both my Republican and Democratic colleagues to adopt policies that will keep our communities safe.”
The House Judiciary Committee considers a wide variety of subjects relating to civil and criminal law, including issues involving commercial law, torts, probate, guardianships, drunk driving, and judicial administration.
“Families have the right to feel safe in their homes. I will continue to work on legislation that keeps communities safe by cracking down on drunk drivers, stamping out identity theft and increasing penalties for sex offenders,” Rodne said.
Rodne is an attorney with a degree from the Gonzaga University School of Law. He serves as general counsel for Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.
The 2009 legislative session begins on Monday, Jan. 12 and is scheduled for 105 days.
Rodne can be contacted at (360) 786-7852 or rodne.jay@leg.wa.gov. For more information on Rodne, visit www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Rodne.
Businesses accepting toy drive donations
Business in the Valley are acting as drop-off sites for a toy drive helping the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network of Puget Sound.
The gift program, being conducted by the North American Self-Defense Association, helps children and teenagers assisted by the program.
KoKo Beans, Snoqualmie Ridge Athletic Club and DMW Martial Arts of Snoqualmie, and Rattlesnake Lake Cycles and Umibushi Self-Defense Academy of North Bend are local participants.
For more information, e-mail Jim Curtis at umibushi@yahoo.com, or call (206) 422-8143.
