Keller outlines specific staffing plan for Snohomish Fire

Paul Keller, a former Snohomish County resident currently incarcerated at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, has submitted a letter to the editor proposing a specific structural change to the District 4 Fire Department. Keller argues that the department is operating effectively and recommends a concrete increase in staffing levels to maintain those standards.

Keller notes that the current district-wide 24/7 staffing level is 12. He proposes a new model that would raise this number to 18 without requiring the fire department to be absorbed into a Regional Fire Authority. His plan distributes the additional personnel across existing stations to improve response capabilities.

The proposed allocation assigns nine personnel to Station 41, including one brush truck, one engine, three ladder units, and two paramedics. Station 42 would receive three personnel, one brush truck, one engine with one paramedic, and one medic. Station 43 would house six personnel, two ambulances, one engine with one paramedic, and one medic who would serve as a mobile supervisor.

Keller suggests that the mobile supervisor role, currently held by an individual with a Senior Firefighter Reserve position through December 31, 2028, would transition to Station 43 beginning January 1, 2029. He also addresses the location of Station 40, stating that its placement was wise given the substantial growth in that area over the past 35 years.

The letter criticizes the current political climate for celebrating mediocrity in government while praising the foresight and execution of capital projects by the fire department. Keller asserts that the department has consistently maintained that increased staffing decreases overall response time and enhances the effective response force. He also notes that the district issued a request for proposals earlier this year for its next five-year strategic plan.