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East Jefferson Fire Rescue is proud to join with emergency service agencies around the county, state, and nation in recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week from January 20-26, 2025.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of emergency response and prevention resources to reduce their occurrence and impact, and to build healthy, safe, and resilient communities. CRR Week is meant to raise awareness among the community and within the fire service about the role of CRR in making our communities and emergency service personnel safer.

In 2023, fire service agencies in east Jefferson County responded to 8,042 calls for service, including 157 fire-related calls, and 5925 medical calls.  Most fire-related and many medical calls for service are preventable with an integrated CRR program.

EJFR is very pleased to have tremendous community support from local, county, and state partners in developing programs to address the risks faced in the district.  These programs utilize any combination of the following fire prevention strategies:

• Education: Increasing awareness and understanding in the community by providing information to foster improved safety, including safe cooking practices, fall prevention, and fire extinguisher training.
• Engineering: Making changes to the physical environments we use every day. For example, smoke alarm installations, child car seats, and fire sprinkler systems.
• Enforcement: Improving fire and life safety through enforcement of local and state fire codes.
• Economic Incentives: The use of financial incentives, both positive and negative, to improve safety. Negative incentives include the risk of fines, when necessary, while positive incentives highlight financial benefits of compliance.
• Emergency Response: Some risks can only be mitigated by enhancing our current emergency response capabilities and resources.

In May 2024, EJFR launched a Community Risk Division to enhance and expand prevention programing. As we move into 2025, EJFR is expanding and developing programs that align with these strategies including wildfire prevention, fire extinguisher training, smoke alarm installations, fall prevention education, business code inspections, comprehensive training for career and volunteer firefighters, and the deployment of new apparatus and equipment.

A proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week as an opportunity to make the community safer was read and approved by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 13, 2025.

Join us in uptown Port Townsend for a day of Firefighter Fun & Games! In celebration of Fire Prevention Week EJFR will be showcasing our skills with demonstrations and even letting the crowd get involved! No RSVP required – all are welcome to attend.

In 2022 EJFR celebrated 150 years of fire service to our community! Since then, we’ve decided to mark Fire Prevention Week with a Fire and Rescue Fest highlighting EJFR’s unique skills and abilities with an event that all-ages can participate in and enjoy.

• Tour your local, and some antique fire apparatus
• Participate in some firefighting games such as the bucket brigade and “make and break” competitions
• Watch a live firefighting demonstration – this year we’ll feature an antique horse-drawn fire pump, modern technical rescue skills and kitchen safety
• Enter the Creative Coloring or Art Contest – winners announced during the Fest and printed in the PT Leader the following week
• Learn to “Plan Your Escape” in the event of a fire by practicing in Jefferson County’s Fire Safety Trailer
• Meet EJFR and other local emergency response partners
• Pick up some EJFR SWAG! Commemorative T-shirts, coins, fire markers, mugs and sweatshirts available for purchase

SEE YOU THERE!

NFPA Fire Prevention Week

Join us in downtown Port Townsend for a day of Firefighter Fun & Games! In celebration of Fire Prevention Week EJFR will be showcasing our skills with demonstrations and even letting the crowd get involved! No RSVP required – all are welcome to attend.

In 2022 EJFR celebrated 150 years of fire service to our community! Since then, we’ve decided to mark Fire Prevention Week with a Fire and Rescue Fest highlighting EJFR’s unique skills and abilities with an event that all-ages can participate in and enjoy.

• Tour your local, and some antique fire apparatus
• Tour a helicopter – weather permitting, our partners at Airlift Northwest & Life Flight will be landing at Memorial Field
• Participate in some firefighting games such as the bucket brigade
• Watch a live firefighting demonstration – this year we’ll feature EJFR’s Ladder Truck, ‘Ladder 1’
• Tour the Jefferson County Historical Museum – adjacent to our event and free for attendees
• Enter the Creative Coloring & Art Contest – winners announced during the Fest and printed in the PT Leader the following week
• See the State Fire Marshals Fire Sprinkler Trailer
• Learn to “Plan Your Escape” in the event of a fire by practicing in Jefferson County’s Fire Safety Trailer
• Meet EJFR and other local emergency response partners
• Pick up some EJFR SWAG! Commemorative T-shirts, coins, fire markers, mugs and sweatshirts available for purchase

SEE YOU THERE!

NFPA Fire Prevention Week

ARE YOU READY FOR WILDFIRE?

Jefferson County is developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). It is imperative to the process that we hear the communities’ thoughts and concerns. Please complete this survey and pass on the link to your friends and neighbors.

East Jefferson Fire Rescue provides a combined CPR and AED course designed specifically for laypeople. This course teaches “hands only” CPR and is an excellent choice for both community and workplace settings. This course is intended for individuals who do not work in the healthcare field but desire to have CPR knowledge and skills.

Firefighters and paramedics will provide attendees with instruction on performing CPR and using an AED. No course completion cards will be issued, but students will get ample opportunity to practice and ask questions. Our next public class will be scheduled in 2025. The classes are held at 6pm at Station 6, 9193 Rhody Dr, Chimacum. Registration is required.

Register at Eventbrite

In conjunction with the City of Port Townsend, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) applied for and received an alternative response grant. The grant is funding a new program called FIRE CARES. This program will be modeled on the successful CARES program at the Poulsbo Fire Department and others throughout the region.

Year One Stats

The CARES team made a total of 1,286 contacts in 2023 – 249 new referral contact, 1,037 follow-ups. Services provided include; home visits, phone contacts, transportation arrangements, family/caregiver assistance, collateral contacts, health insurance sign up, case management and hospital diversion. It was found that the most prevalent reason for referral to the program was unmet medical needs, followed by general assistance and falls. The CARES team is currently activated through the 911 system. If Firefighters or law enforcement recognize further needs of a patient or citizen, they are referred through EJFR’s records management system and the CARES team reviews and makes the necessary contact.

Geographically, CARES serviced the East side of Jefferson County from Port Townsend in the north and down to Brinnon in the south county. Demographically, 992 contacts were made to individuals over 65 and 220 were Veterans.Click on the graphs for larger version

2023 CARES Data

EJFR launched FIRE CARES on January 1st, 2023.

The Fire CARES unit is staffed by a full time firefighter/EMT or firefighter/paramedic employed by EJFR, partnered with a full time prevention/intervention specialist employed by Believe in Recovery. The team also has access to a substance use disorder professionals who will assist with calls related to drug and alcohol use.

FIRE CARES is primarily a follow-up, intervention service focused on referring and providing appropriate services but will also serve as a specialty unit responding to behavioral health related crisis calls and behavioral health related needs. The team will also provide surge capacity to initial BH/MH responses and other high acuity EMS incidents, such as CPR. The CARES model can provide ongoing case management, care connection, and facilitate appropriate transport. It’s an approach that focuses on BH/MH and social/lifestyle interventions over time, which reduces the need for emergency services. The focus is on education and referral services, ensuring community members in need are gaining access to the most appropriate resources. CARES Program co-responders frequently conduct field-based follow-up to ensure community members are connected to adequate support and resources following a crisis or when identified as high frequency utilizers of the Emergency Medical and Law Enforcement systems.

Referrals

For more information on services and volunteer opportunities with FIRE CARES partners, please see the links listed below.

Thank you to our community for all the support in the recent February levy lid lifts! Because of you we can continue to maintain and enhance our Fire and EMS services. We are proud to serve the community and grateful for your ongoing support!

Town Hall Meetings took place January 18, 19 & 26 2023:

On December 13, 2022 EJFR’s Board of Commissioners voted to put two measures on the February 2023 Ballot.

22-12 EMSLevyLidLiftSingleYearPermanent

22-13 LevyLidLiftSingleYearPermanent

Levy Lid Lift FAQ’s

How is EJFR (Fire District 1) funded?

Most of the Fire District’s revenue comes from local taxes. The tax levy rate for Fire Districts cannot be increased without voter approval by more than 1% per year even if the assessed real estate value increases. The Fire District has not requested voter approval to increase taxes by more than 1% since the last levy lift in 2011.

How have service demands changed since the last levy lift?

911 demand has increased by almost 50% since the last levy lift in 2011. We experience multiple, simultaneous 911 incidents more than 30% of the time. Occasionally all 911 units are committed, leaving no additional 911 capacity. Our strategic plan recommends more resources, including personnel and equipment enhancements to meet the current and future 911 needs.

Why is Proposition 1 needed? 

The Fire District’s 2023 General Fire Budget has an estimated $462,177 short fall. This ballot measure will raise the Fire – General tax rate to $1.30 per $1000 of assessed value. The current rate is approximately $.85. The additional revenue will be used for Fire, Rescue and EMS services as recommended in our strategic plan to help address the increased service demands.

Why is Proposition 2 needed?

The Fire District’s 2023 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget has an estimated $1,843,027 short fall. This ballot measure will help close the revenue gap and restore the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) tax rate to its maximum, $.50 per $1000 of assessed value. The current rate is $.36. EMS incidents comprise 75% of our responses. The additional revenue is needed to maintain and enhance EMS services.

Why are EJFR expenditures exceeding revenue?

Years of inflation have raised property values, which reduces the Fire District’s tax levy rate due to the 1% annual cap. The Fire District cannot raise the 1% cap without voter approval, which was last approved in 2011. EJFR has to use reserve/contingency funds to maintain services which is not sustainable. Propositions 1 and 2 will reset levy rates allowing the District to stop deficit spending and begin replacement of equipment, restoration of mandated training and hire additional personnel as recommended in our strategic plan.

How much will this cost me?

Using the latest estimates provided by the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office, for a home valued at $350,000, the home owner would experience an approximate annual tax increase of $157.50 for Proposition 1 – Fire Levy. Proposition 2 – EMS Levy would result in approximately $49.00 annual increase. If both initiatives were approved by the voters, the fire district tax levy increase would result in a $206.50 annual increase for the $350,000 valued home.

Didn’t the merger with Port Ludlow solve the revenue gap for both Fire Districts?

Throughout the temporary management agreement and subsequent merger initiative, the budget challenges for both fire districts were shared with the respective communities, commissioners and public. To address the shortfall, the scoping document developed by the Districts proposed two steps: become a combined fire district that is as efficient as possible and post-merger, prepare a levy lid lift. The merger eliminated the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief for Port Ludlow and increased daily minimum staffing for both agencies. We are in the process of streamlining various contracts, services and duplicated services. The Fire District needs additional financial resources in order to improve services and meet the objectives established in the strategic plan.

Contact Info

Fire Chief Bret Black

Commissioners

Dave Seabrook (Chair)

Deborah Stinson (vice-chair)

Geoff Masci

Deborah Tillman

Steve Craig

Glenn Clemens

Gene Carmody

Ed Davis

In 2021 EJFR contracted with Citygate and Berk to undergo a Strategic Planning and Standards of Cover Analysis. On November 10th, 2022 EJFR’s Board of Commissioners accepted the analysis and findings.

EJFR Strategic Plan 2022 – Accepted 11-10-22

Vol 1 – Technical Report – East Jefferson Fire-Rescue SOC and Strategic Plan (10-31-22)

Vol 2 – Map Atlas – East Jefferson Fire-Rescue SOC and Strategic Plan (10-31-22)

Vision

As a fire and emergency service industry leader, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our community while honoring our mission, values and traditions. We will support our workforce to maintain a healthy lifestyle, promoting opportunities for personal and professional growth. We shall provide leadership locally, regionally and nationally. We will provide the best service possible within the fiscal opportunities available.

Mission

Protecting life and property while providing compassionate service that meets the needs of our varied community through prevention, education and emergency response.

Values

Compassion

We embrace our diverse community as we provide services with empathy, understanding and kindness.

Integrity

We are dedicated to our role as stewards of the public’s trust. Our responsibility to superior ethical standards is steadfast.

Respect

We shall provide our services with equity, imparting dignity to those in need.

Teamwork

We recognize our success and effectiveness comes from internal collaboration and external relationships. We shall empower our members to uphold and reinforce collective group performance while supporting cohesive external partnerships.

Progressive

We shall balance our traditions and practices alongside the need for change and adaptation. Innovations will be implemented using careful analysis, critical thinking and collaborative input as we strive for continuous improvement.