The Williams Fire Levy
Written by:
James Krois
The Williams Rural Fire Protection District (WRPD) is asking for an operating levy of $1.35 per thousand of assessed property value on the November 3 ballot. This will enable the department to have a 24/7 EMT response to emergencies in Williams.
The number of incidents is only part of the story. Timing can mean more than life and death. The time between an accident and the arrival of a first responder can severely alter the outcome of a medical emergency.
I have personally experienced the agonizing 45-minute wait for an ambulance coming from Grants Pass. A Williams volunteer helped direct the ambulance to our home. Waiting through the pain and blood loss was all we could do at the time. Since the current levy was passed, Williams has had 24/7 staffing of both firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Most alarms the WRPD responds to are medical. In the event of a stroke or heart attack, time is critical to a positive outcome. With passage of the new levy, the WRFPD will have continued 24/7 staffing with an EMT. All money collected through the levy will be used in-house for staff wages and equipment.
A staffed fire department makes insurance companies happy, which may lower your rates. As a member of the Williams community, I urge you to vote yes to support the Measure 17-128 levy.
James Krois