That history gives me a strong sense of responsibility. This is not just the community I serve as Fire Chief. It is a community that helped shape who I am. My roots here guide the way I lead, the way I make decisions, and the way I think about the future of the District.

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Since 1943, King County Fire District No. 20 has been committed to providing fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue response, public safety education, and community-centered service to the residents, businesses, and visitors we serve. While the needs of the community have changed over time, our mission remains the same: to respond when we are needed, protect life and property, and serve with professionalism, compassion, integrity, and accountability.

Every day, our firefighters, officers, volunteers, administrative staff, and community partners work together to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community. Whether responding to a medical emergency, fire, motor vehicle collision, public service call, or community safety concern, our people take pride in being prepared, dependable, and connected to the residents we serve.

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Emergency services today require more than simply responding when 911 is called. Our work depends on preparation before the emergency happens. That preparation includes training, staffing, prevention, equipment maintenance, community outreach, responsible budgeting, and long-term planning for the facilities and infrastructure that support emergency response.

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Medical emergencies make up a significant portion of the calls we respond to, reflecting the important role our firefighters play in providing emergency medical care in addition to fire suppression, rescue services, and other emergency response needs. Our crews also respond to fires, vehicle collisions, public assistance calls, and other emergencies throughout the District and in partnership with neighboring agencies.

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Training remains one of the strongest foundations of our service. Our personnel complete regular fire, EMS, rescue, safety, and operational training to maintain readiness and provide consistent, high-quality service. This commitment helps ensure that when our community calls, our crews are prepared to respond safely, effectively, and professionally.

Community engagement is also central to who we are. The District values strong partnerships with residents, schools, community organizations, public health partners, law enforcement, neighboring fire agencies, and regional service providers. These relationships help us improve safety education, support vulnerable residents, strengthen emergency preparedness, and build trust with the people we serve.

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As we look ahead, King County Fire District No. 20 remains focused on maintaining reliable emergency response while preparing for future needs. This includes evaluating our facilities and infrastructure, investing in staff development, planning for apparatus and equipment replacement, supporting community risk reduction, and managing public resources responsibly.

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Our Board of Fire Commissioners, firefighters, volunteers, and staff share a commitment to serving this community with care and accountability. We understand that public trust is earned every day through our actions, our decisions, and our service.

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Thank you for supporting King County Fire District No. 20 and the people who serve on your behalf. I am proud of where this District has been, proud of the people who serve here today, and committed to helping prepare this organization for the future.

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Respectfully,

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Eric Hicks
Fire Chief
King County Fire District No. 20