City of Seattle NEWS RELEASE

Gregory J. Nickels, MayorFor immediate release Sept. 12, 2005Contact: Marty McOmber, 684-8358 or 423-4541 (cell) e-mail martin.mcomber@seattle.gov Mayor proposes adding 15 firefighters in new budgetPlan part of goal to make Seattle the most prepared city in the countrySEATTLE — Mayor Greg Nickels and Fire Chief Gregory Dean announced today a proposal to hire 15 additional firefighters next year and increase the number of four-person crews ready to respond to emergencies, a significant step in the mayor’s effort to make Seattle the most prepared city in the country. The new four-person crews — a top priority for fire fighters — would be deployed at the Green Lake, Greenwood and Madison Valley fire stations when the recruits complete training in the second quarter of 2006. “By adding 15 firefighters next year, I’m letting everyone know we are serious about meeting our commitments to the people we count on in emergencies,” Nickels said. “Especially in light of Hurricane Katrina, we must continue our efforts to be the most prepared city in the country.” Voters approved a Fire Levy in 2003 that is providing money to upgrade, renovate, or replace 32 neighborhood fire stations. Under the program, the city is buying emergency generators, water pumping stations and other vital equipment to deal with natural disasters. Hiring the additional firefighters will cost $1.3 million a year. Money for the proposal is included in the mayor’s proposed 2006 budget, which he will deliver to the City Council Sept. 26. “Every day our firefighters and paramedics strive to provide the best emergency and medical services possible to the citizens of Seattle,” Dean said. “The mayor’s proposal recognizes their efforts and our department will be even stronger as a result.” Of Seattle’s 33 fire stations, 23 are staffed by four-person engine crews. Seven have three-person engine crews and four-person ladder crews. Only three stations have just three-person engine crews and they are the ones slated to receive the fourth firefighter. Fifteen firefighters will need to be hired to ensure one additional staff member is on duty at these stations at all times.”Fire fighters are always on the front line of any emergency,” said Paul Atwater, president of Local 27. “This increase in staffing is an important step toward making Seattle’s firefighters safer and more prepared to protect our City. We appreciate the Mayor’s commitment to fire fighter and public safety.” Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s inside view on initiatives to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm###