Chief's Message

Greetings! During 2008, our firefighters and staff continued to serve you, our customers, at the highest level possible given the resources at hand. Longview Fire engaged in strategicplanning over the course of the year with the desired outcomes of 1) determining the recommended level of Fire and Emergency Medical Service requiredto meet the expected demand of the community in comparison with today’s capability and 2) designing a road mapfor meeting anticipated future service demands.

Successes in 2008 included enhancing the Fire Prevention Programwith the addition of a fireinspector. Prevention through code enforcement and education isoften difficult to measure with hard data. The best measure is realizing a reduction of fires and injuries in following years. Disappointingly, the fire inspector position became a victim of budget reductions for 2009-2010.

Other 2008 accomplishments included the placement of a new Engine in service which will greatly reduce the wear & tear of our Ladder Truck. The ladder is now rarely dispatched to EMS calls. Additionally, the City became signatory to a regional mutual aid agreement which includes sharing of resources during major emergencies (fire, police, public works) throughout Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, and Skamania counties, enhancing our local and regional capabilities to serve you. The best news of 2008 is that the total number offires was down from 2008, by 7%, and there were no fatalities due to fire! I know from experience that lows and highs are to be expected over a longer period of time, but let’s celebrate the low for now!"

Quality Service, Timely Response”continues to be our commitment. “Quality Service”is essential to ensure that the best level of care and proficient performance is provided for all services rendered. “Timely Response”is critical for Firefighter/EMTs to be effective in life saving efforts and minimizing loss of property to fires.

In 2009, the staff of Longview Fire will do our best to be therefor you in your time of need. We will strive to engage with you for your input on how we can better serve through Education, Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.

Thank you all for your continued support. Daryl McDaniel, Fire Chief