HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFA 2015-03-11 Item 7 - History of Kent Regional Fire AuthorityHISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Historical Perspective of the City of SeaTac Fire Department:
Given the opportunity over the last few years to work together through the current contract for
services and the analysis of consolidation options, both entities have discovered that there are
more similarities than first anticipated in terms of organizational culture and service
expectations.
We have identified the historical perspective of both the City of SeaTac Fire Department and
the Kent Fire Department RFA for future reference and consideration.
> In 1947, King County Fire District 23 and 24, volunteer fire departments were created.
> In the 1970's the first career firefighters were hired.
• In the 1980's, King County Fire District 23 and 24 merged and additional career
firefighters were hired.
■ In 1984, a $2 million public safety bond measure was approved by the voters.
> In 1987, remodel projects occurred at Fire Stations 45 and 46, and new apparatus was
purchased.
> In 1991, King County Fire District 24 became a city funded fire department. Fire District
24 became the SeaTac Fire Department. At this time, the City hired 18 firefighters,
creating a professional career fire department.
• In 1991, the City acquired King County Fire District 2, the Riverton Heights Station, now
referred to as SeaTac Fire Station 47.
> In 1991, the Department responded to 2,929 calls for service.
• In 1992 additional firefighters were hired, providing 24 hour coverage to all three fire
station worksites.
> In 1992, the SeaTac Fire Department:
o Eliminated an administrative position.
o Eliminated an assistant chief position.
• In 1994, the SeaTac Fire Department:
o Eliminated one training officer position.
>. In 2000, the SeaTac Fire Department:
o Eliminated the public educator position.
> In 2010, the City determined to leave the:
o Fire Chief position vacant
o Inspector position vacant
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Historical Perspective of the Kent Fire Department RFA
■ In 2011, the SeaTac Fire Department:
o Entered into an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the Kent Fire Department RFA for
services:
o Fire Chief
o Fire Marshal
• Public Educator
• Public Information
▪ Fire Investigation
o Emergency Management
a Previously had an ILA for Fleet Maintenance and the Department has joined the
South King County Fire Training Consortium.
Fire Station locations:
0
Fire Station 45
2929 South 200th Street
o Fire Station 46 (Fire Headquarters)
3521 South 170th Street
o Fire Station 47
3215 South 152nd Street
SeaTac Fire Department has a minimum staffing level of 10 firefighters per shift since
1993.
> The SeaTac Fire Chief reports to the:
o SeaTac City Manager
o SeaTac Mayor
o SeaTac City Council
> 1912, Kent Volunteer Fire Department created.
> 1924, Kent Volunteer Fire Department became a City funded department.
> 1940's, King County Fire District 37 formed.
> September 1, 1965, the Kent Fire Department became a paid professional fire
department and responded to 269 calls.
> January 1974, the City and Fire District established a contract for joint services.
> 1986, a $12.3 million bond measure was approved by voters and received voter
approval for lid lift for Fire District 37 to build Station 75.
> 1987 —1988, construction on Fire Station 76 and Vehicle Maintenance Facility (City).
> 1989, Station 75 was opened (City).
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> 1991, Fire Administration, Fire Station 74 and the Police Fire Training Facility was
opened (City).
> 2002, Fire Station 77 relocated to new facility (Fire District). The department also began
an RFA and FBC study.
> 2004, Kent Fire Department (City and District) recognized as a nationally accredited fire
agency. Fire District 37 passes its levy lid lift to restore its $1.50 levy capacity.
Volunteer firefighter program is eliminated due to complexity legal and training
requirements, total paid uniform staffing remains at 149.
> 2005, Fire Benefit Charge (FBC) feasibility study begins, paid uniform staffing increases
to 151.
> 2006, Fire District 37 again passes a levy lid lift restoring its $1.50 levy capacity.
> 2007, began RFA exploratory study with Stakeholders group.
> February 2008, RFA exploratory Stakeholders group report and recommendation
approved.
> July 2008, began RFA planning process.
> Fall 2008, second shift Battalion Chief assignment implemented.
> February 2009, Fire Station 78 opened total uniform staffing increased from 151 to 166.
> August 2009, re- accredited as a fire agency.
> November 2009, RFA plan approved by King County Fire District 37.
> December 2009, RFA plan approved by the City of Kent.
> April 27, 2010, RFA plan approved by citizens by a 73% voter approval margin.
> July 1, 2010, the Kant Fire Department and King County Fire District 37 became the Kent
Fire Department RFA:
> 2011, Kent RFA implements its first year a funding utilizing the fire benefit charge.
> Kent Fire Department RFA Fire Station locations:
• Fire Station 71
504 West Crow Street
o Fire Station 72
25620 140th Avenue SE
o Fire Station 73
26512 Military Road South
Fire Station 74 /Fire Administration /Fire Training /EOC
24611 116th Avenue SE
o Fire Station 75
15635 SE 272 "d Street
o Fire Station 76 /Vehicle Maintenance
20676 72nd Avenue South
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o Fire Station 77
20717 132nd Avenue SE
o Fire Station 78
17820 SE 256th Street
> Kent Fire Department minimum staffing for each 24 hour shift:
• 1991 -1998 - 24 minimum staffing
• 1998 - 26 minimum staffing; aid unit placed in service
• Feb. 2008— 29 minimum staffing; Station 78 opened
a Fall 2008 - 30 minimum staffing; second shift battalion chief assignment
added
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