To the Editor:
Recent Los Angeles city fire department revelations should serve as a wake-up call for Everett’s elected officials. Here are the apolitical facts:
Everett’s Population:
• 1983: 56,000
• 2023: 112,000
• 40-year Change: +200%
Total number of incidents handled by EFD:
• 1983: 6,260 (EFD number from the City Clerk’s office)
• 2023: 27,320 (EFD number from the City Clerk’s office)
• 2023: 26,806 (number from SNO911 excluding cancelled calls)
Result: Using EFD’s numbers, call volume has risen 436.42% over 40 years. Using SNO911’s numbers, call volume has risen 428.21% over 40 years.
But in comparison:
EFD 24/7 Staffing:
• 1983: 28 • 2023: 35
• 40-year Change: + 25%.
That’s right. Over 40 years, Everett’s population has verifiably doubled, square mileage increased significantly, EFD’s alarm load is up over 400% no matter how you slice it, yet the city has only increased EFD 24/7 staffing by a preposterously paltry 25%.
Breakdown by unit type:
1983 (crew) 2023 (crew)
Aid Car (BLS)
------- A1 (2)
A2 (2) A2 (2)
A5 (2) ---------
--------- A6 (2)
Battalion Chief
67 (1) B1 (1)
Medic Supervisor
------ MSO5 (1)
Engine Company
E1 (3) E1 (3)
E2 (3) E2 (3)
E3 (3) ------
E4 (3) E4 (3)
Quad5 (3) E5 (3)
E6 (3) E6 (3)
------ E7 (3)
Ladder Company
L1 (3) L1 (3)
Paramedic Unit
M1 (2) M1 (2)
----- M5 (2)
----- M6 (2)
The Everett Fire Department is unacceptably under-resourced and woefully understaffed. There will be a reckoning. Current and recent administrations own this dereliction lock, stock and barrel.
Paul Keller
Inmate, Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Aberdeen
Formerly of Snohomish County
