Eric Robertson, administrator for the Valley Regional Fire Authority, recently took time to address some of the changes and challenges of his firefighting and emergency rescue units serving the greater Auburn area.
Much has changed since the VRFA was established in January 2007. Tell us about the latest change, the opening of Fire Station 33.
This week we began full-time fire, medical, technical rescue and community services in the new fire station. This facility is the primary response station for the Lakeland, Kersey and Hidden Valley communities. This region is the fastest-growing population in our service area over the last several years, and with the opening of this fire station we are well positioned to better meet the current service demands as well as the anticipated growth for the future. We have a staffed fire engine ready to respond, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of our fire engines are fully capable firefighting, emergency medical service and rescue platforms staffed with highly trained firefighters. Fire Station 33 is a wonderful community asset and we invite everyone to stop by Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to tour their new fire station.
What makes having a fifth station in your coverage area so important?
It’s all about reducing critical response times while balancing our unit availability. By strategically locating fire stations, we have a system of overlapping coverage throughout the entire service area. This allows a unit from an adjoining service area to respond quickly when the primary unit is busy on another 911 incident. With Station 33 in service, the fire engine in Algona and Pacific, as well as the units assigned to Station 32 in South Auburn, are available more often. This increase in unit availability for both areas will reduce our response times to 911 calls across the entire VRFA service area. This is the primary objective of the VRFA in striving to better serve the citizens.
A new ladder truck on the way? When can we expect to see it in operation?
We are looking forward to the delivery of the ladder truck in early 2010. When it arrives, it will be acceptance tested, outfit with equipment and supplies and then our specially trained firefighters will begin practical training exercises to become proficient with its capabilities. It is designed to serve as a multi-functional tool capable of doing everything a fire engine can do as well as providing a 105-foot aerial capability for fire and rescue situations. When the firefighters have demonstrated competency with the apparatus, it will be placed in service. We expect this will take several weeks after the training begins.
What challenges face the VRFA these days?
Every day, the men and women at the VRFA are working to improve our emergency service delivery to our communities. This often requires rapid change to our systems and flexibility in our daily attitude. In addition to Station 33 opening and the ladder truck being readied for service, we have moved Engine 32 and Aid 32 to a temporary station in South Auburn while Station 32 (1951 R St. SE) is completely renovated. We expect this “ground up” remodel to be completed next fall when we will move back into a durable and lasting permanent facility where we will provide service to our community. In the spring of 2010, we will begin a project to replace Lea Hill Station 34. This should take about one year to complete and will relocate Station 34 to an area south of the current facility but much better suited for access to our critical response routes. Our strategic goal is to get all of the fire stations constructed, emergency apparatus in service, and our personnel assigned to support the plan. Once we realize this goal and document the efficiencies from all of these efforts, we can work with the communities we serve and the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB) to reevalaute the fire protection services in the VRFA service area. A better rating by the WSRB will reduce fire insurance rates for your residential and commercial policy holders. Better emergency response times, equipment capable of addressing the risks in the community, highly trained VRFA personnel and lower insurance rates are the major strategic initiatives we are working on.
How is the toy drive going and how can we help?
I am proud to work with the men and women of the Valley Professional Firefighters Union, which does so much charitable work in our community. The Toys for Kids drive is in full swing, and with the economy having difficulty the need is greater than ever this year. Donations are being accepted during business hours at the Headquarters Fire Station 31 (1101 D St. NE, Auburn) or this Sunday at several local stores. If you want to visit with me, I will be with our firefighters at the Top Foods in Lakeland from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. accepting donations of new unwrapped toys or cash. The firefighters take the cash and purchase a variety of toys for kids of all ages. They work closely with the Auburn Food Bank to ensure kids from qualified families receive toys at Christmas. I really enjoy helping them with this project as it has such a positive impact with our youth and the less fortunate families.
What other changes can we expect to see in the days ahead?
My goal is that you will continue to receive the same great service from the VRFA as we strive to responsibly improve it every day. The heart of our organization is our people. From our professional firefighters, fire prevention staff and technical support team, to the administrative staff members who keep the machine running, we are striving to efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of our citizens and community.
