The fire commissioner’s of Fire District 38 would like to publicly express our thanks to all who had a hand in successfully restoring our levy rate on Feb. 6.

First, the voters of Fire District 38 – thanks for taking the time to understand what was at stake and for evaluating the costs and benefits. Next, to the Citizens Committee to Save our Fire Services: Dave Battey, Sean Flynn, Eric O’Brien, Leslie Falcon, George Cook, Alan Ameche, Karen Rudd, Wanda Boe and Tonie Cook (the “Empress of Elections,” secretary/treasurer, chief of planning and everything else), your willingness to spend large portions of your personal life for the benefit of your neighbors is what “citizenship” is all about. Thank you.

Great appreciation is also due IAFF Local 2878 for their logistical support to the Save Our Fire Services committee, and also to the many citizens and businesses who provided financial or in-kind support. You are too many to name – please be proud of your contribution to this important local effort. To those many citizens who participated in the focus group meetings to provide a sounding board for our newsletters and to clarify how to better communicate with the public we serve, and also to the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis for providing a forum for our message – thank you, as well.

Finally, to North Bend Fire Chief Gerald Venera, retired, for his influential support of this critical effort to restore the financial resources needed to maintain existing fire service levels – thanks, chief.

Fire District 38 commissioners: Ron Pedee, Steve Parsons and Chris Dahline

North Bend