I am writing in support of Proposition No. 1, the November ballot measure to restore the levy funding for Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR).

I have the unique perspective of having provided after-hours medical care to islanders for over 35 years. My associates and I accepted this burden as part of primary care. We understood this duty to be part of an implied social contract with the community, especially our main supporters, the volunteers at Granny’s Attic.

In 2015, new corporate leadership made the decision that they would no longer subscribe to the unique Vashon after-hours care model.

That has resulted in an increased demand for the medical services of VIFR, well-documented in other recent letters and articles. The fire department is currently the main provider of after-hours urgent medical care for the island community. There is no other option at this time.

Different urgent care models may evolve in the future, but for now, this levy measure is critical to all of us. Please vote YES on Proposition No. 1.

— Gary Koch, M.D