Showing posts with label northshore fire department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label northshore fire department. Show all posts

Northshore Fire commissioners planning to contract for a neighboring fire department to operate their fire department

Thursday, September 16, 2021

The Northshore Fire Department (NFD) is considering having another fire department operate the NFD under a long-term contract for administrative, Fire Marshal, and fire and emergency medical services.

The Board of Commissioners is offering opportunities for input from the citizens and stakeholders of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. A public survey is open until October 4, 2021. A virtual open house is planned for September 28.
 
They offer several ways to provide input and stay informed regarding Contract for Services.
The five member Board of Commissioners recently lost two members who died. One was up for re-election and the other still had time on his term. The remaining board members appointed two interim members. Neither was the person running unopposed for the open seat.

Earlier this year, the board of commissioners, on a 3-2 vote, tried to merge with Woodinville Fire and Rescue. The city councils of both Kenmore and Lake Forest Park were unanimously opposed. The firefighter's union ran a campaign against the plan, which was resoundingly defeated in the April 27, 2021 election. See our previous article.

--Diane Hettrick



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Northshore Fire hosts 9/11 remembrance event

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Northshore firefighters line up during the Flag Ceremonies on Sunday
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Northshore Fire department, which serves Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, held a remembrance event on Sunday, 9/11/2021 at Fire station 51 to mark the 20th anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York and to honor the 343 firefighters who gave their lives in an attempt to save other.

9/11 Memorial at Station 51. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

There was a flag ceremony outside of their station at 7220 NE 181st St in Kenmore

Deputy Chief McDonald spoke about their memorial.

Participants and guests were invited to view the 9/11 Memorial in their lobby. Deputy Chief McDonald spoke about their memorial.


This station has one of only 18 9/11 artifacts in the State of Washington. A section of steel girder recovered from the rubble of the WTC in New York City is dedicated to the memory of all whose lives were taken in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

For more information visit their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/northshorefiredepartment



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Classifieds: Special meeting of Northshore Fire Commissioners

Saturday, September 11, 2021

A special meeting of the Board of Commissioners of King County Fire Protection District No. 16 (Northshore), will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, the 14th day of September 2021, at 5:00pm.

Meeting agenda and materials are posted here.

The Board will review the four applicants for vacant board positions.

Click Here To View The Session



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Northshore Fire Commissioners continue to develop process for contract for services at Tuesday meeting

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Northshore Fire Kenmore station photo by Jerry Pickard

Northshore Fire Department Board of Commissioners will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 5:00pm via Zoom

Public Comment must be submitted electronically prior to the meeting. To submit public comment, please see instructions at the end of the agenda here

Join Zoom Meeting Online here

Call in to Zoom Meeting at: (253) 215-8782 Meeting ID: 850 4471 3997 Passcode: 743608

Board Discussion and Possible Action Items

4.1 Presentation from IAFF, Local 2459 and Q/A session
4.2 Update on meetings with City Councils of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore
4.3 Contract for Services Update
4.4 Review Criteria for Evaluating Contract for Services Proposals
4.5 Review Documents to Include on Website for Contract for Services
4.6 Review Questions for Public Survey
4.7 Review Questions for Agency Surveys on Contract for Services 
4.8 Chief and Fire Marshal Services Contracts Discussion
4.9 Discussion of Potential Future Special Meetings and Virtual Open Houses
4.10 September 11th Memorial Event Update
4.11 Station 51 Lighting Upgrade

Full agenda and documents here




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Northshore Fire: Vape pens and electronic cigarettes cause fires

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Photo courtesy Northshore Fire
Vape Pens and Electronic Cigarettes cause fires and injuries each year in the US. 

62% of the incidents of explosion and fire involving an electronic cigarette or its battery occurred when the device was either in a pocket/purse or actively in use. 

The photo shows a fire Northshore Fire crews responded to in Kenmore that started from a vape pen that was in a purse and either overheated or was turned on accidentally.

For more information and tips to avoid a battery explosion please visit:

Tips to Help Avoid "Vape" Battery Explosions

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Announcement for Fire Commissioner vacancy – Northshore Fire Department

Thursday, July 8, 2021

KENMORE, Wash., July 7, 2021 – Fire Commissioner Needed. 

The Northshore Fire Department, serving the cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, has two vacant Fire Commissioner Positions: Position 1 and Position 3. 

Fire Commissioners act as the board of directors for the department.

If you are interested in serving your community as a Fire Commissioner, please submit a letter of interest and statement of qualifications to the District Board Secretary. 

Letters must be received at the email or address below no later than 5:00pm on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

District Board Secretary Amy Oakley
Boardsecretary@northshorefire.com

7220 NE 181st Street
Kenmore, WA 98028
Phone: 425-354-1780

Candidates selected for follow-up interviews will be notified by Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Interviews by the Board of Fire Commissioners will be conducted August 9 through 13, 2021. Appointments will be made no later than August 17, 2021.

Requirements

All those who apply must reside and be registered to vote within the fire District. The fire District boundary is consistent with the city boundaries of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. The term for Fire Commissioner Position 1 runs through December 2022. Position 3 runs through December 2021.

Additional information about the role of a fire commissioner can be found in the Washington State Fire Commissioners ‘Commissioner Handbook’ https://www.nwfrs.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-Commissioner-Handbook.pdf or by contacting one of the current Northshore Fire Commissioners https://www.northshorefire.com/about/board-of-commissioners/



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UPDATE: The differences among Prop 1 and Prop 1 and Prop 1

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Shoreline Fire Chief Matt Cowan issued a short statement to let voters know the Shoreline Fire Prop 1 has nothing to do with the other Prop 1 measures

By Diane Hettrick

Considering that both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park have Prop 1 on their ballots, it's understandable that there is some confusion. To add to the confusion, Shoreline Fire has a measure on the Shoreline ballot to renew their benefit charge.

AND Shoreline Fire Chief Matt Cowan has reminded me that their renewal measure is ALSO CALLED PROP 1

Shoreline Fire benefit charge

This is a reauthorization of charges that Shoreline residents pay for fire protection and emergency services. 

There is no organized opposition.

Only Shoreline residents vote on this measure.

Northshore Fire measure
Photo by Diane Hettrick
Red signs

Lake Forest Park / Kenmore Prop 1 is about the proposed merger of two fire departments - Northshore, which serves LFP and Kenmore and Woodinville Fire and Rescue, which serves Woodinville.

The Northshore firefighters' union is strongly opposed and is placing red No signs all over both cities.

The city councils of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore voted unanimously to oppose the measure.

Only Lake Forest Park and Kenmore residents vote on this measure.

20 years of park improvements in Shoreline

Green signs

Shoreline Prop 1 is about a 20 year plan for major improvements on five existing parks and acquisition of new land for green spaces as the city fills up with multifamily buildings.

It is a renewal of an existing, expiring charge and will add a monthly amount of around $5 a month, depending on the value of your property. (see article on how to find out what you would pay)

There are Yes yard signs and people on corners waving Yes signs to support the parks proposition.

There is no organized opposition.

Only Shoreline residents vote on the Parks measure.


Turn in ALL ballots by Tuesday, April 27, 2021

You can take your ballot to any King county drop box. They all get sent to the same place.
  • 192nd and Aurora Park n Ride in the corner with the rain garden
  • Shoreline Library parking lot on the corner of NE 175th and 5th NE (remember you can't turn across 175th when you are headed west)
  • Lake Forest Park City Hall in the northeast corner of Town Center at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way
  • You can also mail your ballot with no postage required.

There is a high validation requirement because of the turnout for the Presidential election, so voting - whether Yes or No - is important if you want your opinion heard.



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Kenmore City Council approves resolution in opposition of merger of Northshore Fire Department with Woodinville Fire and Rescue

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

On March 22, 2021, Kenmore City Council unanimously passed a motion approving a resolution in opposition of the merger of Northshore Fire Department into Woodinville Fire and Rescue (King County Fire Protection District No. 16 , Proposition No.1). 

The ballot measure is up for vote as part of the King County April Special Election on April 27, 2021.

This proposition would merge King County Fire Protection District No.16 (Northshore Fire Department) into Woodinville Fire and Rescue, creating one fire protection district to provide fire and emergency medical services for the areas currently served by the two districts, which includes Kenmore. 

The City Council’s action occurred approximately one week after the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners passed a motion on March 16, 2021, to “cease any and all efforts in moving forward with the merger consolidation with Woodinville Fire and Rescue until such time that we are working with the support and cooperation of Northshore Firefighters Local 2459.”

On March 23, 2021, the Northshore Board of Fire Commissioners later reversed their decision at a Special Meeting, clarifying that the motion the Board passed on March 16th was meant to be temporary.

RCW 42.17A.555 authorizes the City Council to take action to collectively express a decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot measure so long as the agenda includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and members of the public and councilmembers are afforded an approximately equal opportunity to express an opposing view.

Kenmore City Council March 22 meeting (Discussion on this merger begins at 49:00)

King County Fire Protection District No. 16 , Proposition No. 1 ballot measure



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Correction to fire merger article:

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Roger Collins, Commission / Board Chair of Woodinville Fire and Rescue has sent a correction to our article on the proposed Northshore fire department merger with Woodinville.

The article says that each board was split on the approval of the merger 3-2.  That is not true, the Northshore Board was split 3-2 with the two firefighter commissioners voting against. 

The Woodinville Board voted 4-0 in favor with one abstention, that abstention coming from a commissioner who is currently a Northshore firefighter. 

The 4 yes votes came from myself and another private citizen board member and two other board members who are firefighters.

I think it is important to note that the only opposition on either board is from current or retired firefighters, while all five board members who are not affiliated with the fire service, as well as two current and retired firefighters are in support of the merger.

The original (corrected) article is here



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Updates/Corrections: LFP residents to vote on proposed Fire District Merger in April 27 ballot

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

The Northshore fire district has two stations. This one is in Kenmore.
Photo by Jerry Pickard

By Tracy Furutani and Diane Hettrick

“The Northshore Fire Department is asking voters to approve a merger with Woodinville Fire and Rescue during the April 27, 2021 Special Election,” said Woodinville Fire and Rescue Chief Greg Ahearn in a letter to Shoreline Area News. 

“The goal of this merger is to save money for taxpayers and improve emergency services. The Boards of Fire Commissioners representing both districts support the merger because it is in the best interest of the communities we serve.”

The ballot, which should be arriving in the mail this week from King County Elections to voters in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, will contain a single item labeled Proposition No. 1: Should the proposal to merge the Northshore Fire Department (also known as Fire Protection District No. 16) into Woodinville Fire and Rescue be approved?

The Northshore Fire Department serves the cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. The reason why the Northshore FD would be merged into Woodinville F/R even though the two districts are not contiguous is a bureaucratic issue: Woodinville F/R has one more fire station and about a dozen more personnel than the Northshore FD. Woodinville residents will not be voting on this proposal. 

The fact that the two districts are not adjacent will have no effect on fire department call service, because interagency agreements allow the nearest fire department to respond to calls, said Roger Collins, the chair of Woodinville F/R Board of Commissioners, “boundaries have nothing to do with service.”

There is organized opposition to the merger. “No on Prop. 1” yards signs have appeared throughout both Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, sponsored by the group Citizens For A Safer Northshore, which lists an affiliation with the Northshore FD’s firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 2459, according the Public Disclosures Commission.

“We’ve been very supportive of merger, but once they stopped working with our labor group that raised some red flags,” said Lieutenant Jeremiah Ingersoll of the Northshore Firefighters, and IAFF Local 2459 President. “We still tried to work with them on [the merger], but we saw a lot of misleading information like [the proposed] cost savings.”

There will be no Voters’ Pamphlet sent out. The fire districts would have had to pay for it, and “it was an expense that didn’t seem like it needed to be spent,” said Collins.

The Boards of each district were not unanimous in their approval of putting the merger on the April ballot.

The Northshore Board split 3-2 in favor of the proposal. The Woodinville board voted 4-0 in favor, with one abstention. 

Some of the Northshore Board members in the minority have been giving public comment in opposition. “I have voted against this merger from the beginning,” said Rick Verlinda, a Board member of the Northshore FD, at the March 25 Lake Forest Park City Council meeting, though he made clear he was not speaking as a Board member.

The Lake Forest Park station is the second station in the Northshore Fire District
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The administration and the Boards of Fire Commissioners in each district argue that the residential and property owners in the Northshore FD will save money. According to Collins, the combined rate for fire services (which includes both the Fire Benefit Charge and the portion of the King County property tax that is earmarked for fire protection) will be reduced from $1.30 per $1000 of assessed property value to $1.19.

The firefighters’ unions and the No on Prop. 1 campaign argue that that rate is not sustainable, and that the rate would have to increase over time. Ingersoll said “they [the Boards of the fire districts] are putting out these tax rates… no one can justify them.” He also mentioned that the new merged district would be assuming debt from a refinanced 2009 Northshore bond, and it was not clear if Woodinville residents would be helping to pay off that bond through their property tax levy.

“The city is with the union, and the union is against the merger,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker, commenting on the Kenmore City Council unanimously opposing Prop. 1 at a meeting last Monday. The Bothell-Kenmore Reporter quoted a Kenmore City Council member’s reason for opposing the measure as the fire district not being transparent about their financial and service information.

The next chance for public comment is this Thursday at 7pm when the Lake Forest Park City Council includes a public hearing on the merger as part of its regular business meeting.

If the proposal passes “we would merge into Woodinville,” said Ingersoll. “Our labor group would assume [Woodinville’s] contract, policies and procedures and Northshore fire would cease to exist.”

If the proposal does not pass “the two districts will remain separate entities and the two Boards of Commissioners will have to decide the next step,” said Collins. “A ‘no’ vote does not mean that a merger can not be put forth again, but it would be some time before that could happen.”

Correction: Correction to the commission vote at Woodinville whose board voted 4-0 in favor with one abstention.

Update: Since the article was published the Lake Forest Park City Council voted unanimously to oppose the merger.



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Northshore Fire Department's Board of Commissioners approve merger resolution

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The Northshore Fire Department's Board of Commissioners approved a resolution asking Kenmore and Lake Forest Park citizens to approve merging with Woodinville Fire and Rescue at Tuesday night's public meeting.

More information can be found on the District's website: https://www.northshorefire.com/news/.

Chief Greg Ahearn is available to answer questions about the proposed merger at (425) 354-1780 or GAhearn@northshorefire.com.



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Northshore Fire responds to early morning car fires Oct 14

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Photo courtesy NS Fire

On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Northshore Fire responded to an early morning car fire in the 3500 block of NE 204th St.

Three cars were involved. The fire did not spread to the adjacent home and there were no injuries.

The cause is under investigation by the King County Fire Investigation Unit.




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New paramedic graduating class includes former Northshore Fire employee

Friday, August 14, 2020

New Harborview paramedic class
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire


Harborview's recent Paramedic graduating class includes former Northshore Fire employee, Pat Sullivan (pictured far right).

After the expansion of Medic One to include all out-of-hospital emergencies, the time required to teach the larger curriculum, as well, has increased. The Paramedic Training Program is now approximately 2500 hours in length, and is completed in a period of ten months. 

Exact course duration varies, depending on class size and student readiness. Harborview Medical Center, an affiliated teaching hospital of The University of Washington School of Medicine, houses the Training Program office, classrooms, a library, and student study areas.



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Classifieds: Northshore Fire Request For Proposal

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Northshore Fire Department invites proposals for contracted Fire District Legal Counsel services. Proposals are due to the Fire District Headquarters Office by 12:00pm on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

The Fire Department seeks services encompassing the traditional scope of work including legal counsel, opinions, litigation, consultation and coordination with special counsel. Attendance at a variety of meetings may be required, including staff meetings and Board of Fire Commissioner meetings as specified.

Please visit https://www.northshorefire.com/news/ to obtain the full request for proposal (RFP). If you have further questions, you may contact Acting Fire Chief Eric Magnuson at 425-354-1755 or e-mail emagnuson@northshorefire.com.



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Classifieds: Northshore Fire Public Hearing on budget

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Northshore Fire will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 5:30pm at Headquarters Station 51 in Kenmore, to discuss the budget and the benefit charge for 2020.



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Northshore Fire Department Open House

Saturday, June 1, 2013


2012 Northshore Fire pancake breakfast


On June 15, 2013 the Northshore Fire Department will host an Open House at their headquarters fire station, located at 7220 NE 181st St. in Kenmore.

The event will run from 9am until 12pm and will include a free pancake breakfast (9am to 11am), a health and safety fair and live firefighter demonstrations.

An important educational demonstration will be presented that illustrates the dangers of home fires and the life-saving benefits of home fire sprinklers.

There will also be an area with activities for kids and an opportunity to tour the fire engine, aid car and rescue truck.

The safety fair will include: Bastyr University, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle-King County Health, King County Library and many other exhibitors with valuable health and safety information.



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Northshore Fire Department names Jim Torpin as Fire Chief

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Chief Torpin
On January 15, 2013, the Northshore Fire Department Board of Commissioners unanimously named Jim Torpin to the position of Fire Chief.

Chief Torpin joined the Northshore Fire Department as a firefighter in 1993. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1998, served as President of Northshore Firefighters union Local 2459 from 1997-2003, was promoted to Fire Prevention Division Chief in January 2005, and Deputy Chief of Operations in November 2005. Since Chief Tom Weathers’ retirement in December 2011, Chief Torpin has filled the role of Acting Fire Chief.

Chief Torpin grew up in the area and graduated from Juanita High School. He has been married to his wife Terri for 27 years and has 2 adult children.

Fire Commissioner Eric Adman states, “The Board made this decision in light of the leadership and job performance shown by Chief Torpin.  He has contributed to a very good working relationship between the Board and department administration, and to keeping the department operating at a high level within a reduced budget.” 
“The Department continues to explore options for efficiently providing high quality services, including cooperative efforts with neighboring fire departments.  Chief Torpin has demonstrated his support for regional collaboration and will play an integral role as we evaluate our partnership options and opportunities.  The Board feels he is clearly the best person to provide continuing leadership to the Northshore Fire Department.”

IAFF Local 2459 President, Jim Harvey, also provided support of the appointment by stating, “Local 2459 believes that Chief Torpin is well suited to lead the Northshore Fire Department in regionalization efforts, while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility and continuing to display sound, reasonable judgment.”

A formal badge-pinning ceremony will be conducted on January 29, 2013, 4 pm, at the Northshore Fire Department headquarters station, 7220 NE 181 St, in Kenmore.



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Structure fire in Kenmore Thursday morning

Thursday, December 6, 2012


The Northshore Fire Department was dispatched at 6:16am on Thursday, December 6, 2012 to a house fire at the 6500 block of NE 198 Street.

The occupant, awakened by the home smoke alarm, saw smoke and flames coming from the back porch. Using a fire extinguisher he was able to knock down most of the fire. He used a garden hose to extinguish the rest.

Northshore firefighters and Bothell Fire Department responded to the call. Upon arrival, firefighters saw the heavy charring and burnt remnants of a wooden hot tub. Firefighters removed portions of the deck and home to ensure no fire had extended into the house.

A King County Fire Investigator and the Northshore Fire Department Fire Marshal investigated the cause of the fire which was determined to be accidental. Estimated fire damage is $15,000.  There were no firefighter or civilian injuries.

This fire shows the importance of having working smoke alarms and an extinguisher in your home.  Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace your batteries annually.


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Northshore Fire Department adopts 2013 budget

Wednesday, December 5, 2012


During the regular meeting on November 6, 2012, the Northshore Fire Department Board of Commissioners adopted a budget for the 2013 calendar year. 

In adopting this budget, the Board was able to reduce revenues by cutting taxes and Fire Benefit Charge by $535,906 or 7.2%.

Since the 2010 budget year, the Fire District has reduced its last four budgets, made possible by a number of cost cutting measures and concessions by the employees.

The District is very pleased to have been able to weather the recent tough economic times without spending down vital reserves or cutting essential services.


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Citizens Awarded for Life-Saving Actions; Northshore Fire offers free CPR classes

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

From left: Mohammad Mostafavinassab, David Marshall, Kristin Terpstra,
Keith Dotter, Alice Marshall, Lukas Peter and David Graves.
Photo courtesy Northshore Fire

On October 16, 2012, the Northshore Fire Department presented Meritorious Action Awards to a group of local residents who saved the life of a fellow citizen.

On September 15th while at St. Edwards State Park, a man collapsed while walking the grounds of the Park. A few people responded immediately and soon realized that the man was not breathing and had no pulse. 

“I was terrified,” said David Marshall who was one of the first to reach the man, “at first I just froze.” He asked if anyone knew CPR and Kristen Terpstra jumped in and began chest compressions while other bystanders were directed to call 911 and go for help. 

When Kristen tired, David Graves stepped in and continued CPR. 

Park Rangers Mohammad Mostafavinassab and Lukas Peter responded with an AED (automatic external defibrillator) and delivered shocks to the man’s heart. 

Due to the selfless actions of all those involved, the life of a total stranger, Keith Dotter, was saved. When emergency crews arrived, Mr. Dotter had a pulse and was transported to a local hospital. The citizens honored were: David and Alice Marshall of Seattle, David Graves of Bothell, Kristen Terpstra of Kirkland and Mohammed Mostafavinassab and Lukas Peter of Kenmore.

In addition to recognizing the efforts of these helpful citizens, it is important to mention the role that the King County Medic One program played in this event. For years Medic One has encouraged and supported local CPR training programs, public education efforts and the placement of AED’s in public places. 

Medic One states, “The real difference in patient outcome is made in the first ten minutes.” This event highlights how citizen participation is a vital link in the “Chain of Survival” for sudden cardiac arrest. AED’s can be found in many public areas and their use can be critical for the survival of people with heart related emergencies.


The Northshore Fire Department encourages all citizens to take a CPR class and learn more about what they can do to be prepared to help in case of an emergency. 

In recognition of the importance of citizen CPR, the Northshore Fire Department will be offering two free Adult CPR classes. The free classes will be held at the headquarters station in Kenmore on November 7 at 2:00 PM and December 5 at 6:30pm (space is limited). 

Contact Wendy Booth or 425-354-1742 to register. Learn more by going to the American Heart Association website.


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