Letters| Did you know firefighters, medics are often volunteers?

Our family has lived in North Bend for the past 13 years and only found out last Friday night that the North Bend and Snoqualmie fire stations are run by a combination of paid firefighters and volunteer medics. My son got into a serious ATV accident early last Friday evening, and we called 911 for an ambulance. Eight men arrived to assist with the accident. One man explained that three were paid firefighters, and the rest were trained volunteers. They have families and careers, yet give their time to help people in their community. Due to lack of funding and a fire department founded on volunteers, our community now relies on these volunteers to provide a vital service.

May 17, 2013 5:27 pm

Our family has lived in North Bend for the past 13 years and only found out last Friday night that the North Bend and Snoqualmie fire stations are run by a combination of paid firefighters and volunteer medics.

My son got into a serious ATV accident early last Friday evening, and we called 911 for an ambulance. Eight men arrived to assist with the accident. One man explained that three were paid firefighters, and the rest were trained volunteers. They have families and careers, yet give their time to help people in their community.

Due to lack of funding and a fire department founded on volunteers, our community now relies on these volunteers to provide a vital service.

I would like to thank the North Bend and Snoqualmie firefighters, medics and volunteers who are dedicated to saving lives, helping others and giving their time to the community. They provide an essential service we cannot do without. It is important that they are recognized and I feel others should know of their heroism.

Erica Healy

North Bend