By Joel Moreno
KOMO
BONNEY LAKE, Wash. — They’ve trimmed the fat and cut to the bone, but ongoing budget problems at East Pierce Fire and Rescue has the agency ready to lay off firefighters.
“It certainly didn’t feel good having to talk to our firefighters just before Christmas,” said Chief Jerry Thorson, who announced the lay offs this week. East Pierce Fire and Rescue is strapped with a budget shortfall and the decision was made to eliminate six firefighters and a secretary. “It will mean longer response times and it will mean less service for the citizens but that’s the position we’re in,” Thorson said.
Staffing is already critically low, and the Bonney Lake-based department currently operates below national safety standards. Those standards require at least three firefighters on scene to enter a burning building. East Pierce often sends just two per engine.
Full story: Crews get layoff notices at East Piere Fire and Rescue