Although our community was informed that Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s (VIFR) paramedic program is being absorbed into South King County, we have not received any updates on this move or what the actual impact to our community will be.

Moving the medic program will cause the loss of over  $2 million from the VIFR budget.

We understand that it will also cause a loss of continual medic coverage for our isolated island, as well the loss of several firefighters.

As citizens of Vashon, it is our belief that we need to stand against this move until such a time as we can receive a comprehensive written plan of what future EMS and fire coverage to our island will be if this move is implemented.

We will not accept any reduction in protection — either firefighting capability or medic coverage.

From what we have heard — and not heard — the plan sounds half-baked and unacceptable.

— Marcia and Kyle Crews