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In the wake of two failed levy measures, the Board of Fire Commissioners has directed the closure of Fire Station 35 in the northeast area of our service area. Station 35 currently has the lowest volume of emergency calls among all District Stations. In the wake of this decision, the City of Lacey has notified the District that they believe the District is in default of the service contract. There is a link below to read the City's letter of notice. On Friday, January 23, 2009, the District issued a response to the City's claim proposing a mediation process to resolve this issue. The subsequent links open the subsequent exchange of correspondence between the District and the City. On January 28, 2009, the City of Lacey filed suit against the District in Superior Court in this matter. The District's ensuing press release can be found at the fifth bullet below. The sixth bullet is a link to an informative YouTube video about national fire department staffing standards. City of Lacey notice of contract default (PDF) Commissioners' response to the notice of default (PDF) City of Lacey response; January 23rd (PDF) Commissioners' response; January 27th (PDF) Commissioners' press release; January 30th (PDF) During 2008, the District was publicly criticized for its financial decisions by, among others, the City of Lacey. To read the District's response to this criticism, click on the following link: Commissioners' response to the City of Lacey (PDF) UPDATE: May 16, 2009 We are pleased to report that, with the able assistance of retired Judge Daniel Berschauer as mediator, the District and City have reached a settlement agreement regarding the pending litigation in Thurston County Superior Court. The City Council and the Board of Fire Commissioners have both formally approved (unanimously) the terms of the settlement and, as a result, staffing will be restored to Fire Station 35 effective at 0730 hours on Monday morning (18th). Download the Press Release in PDF format.. "For myself and also on behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, we appreciate your patience and support as we worked through this difficult process. We are pleased with the results and may now look forward in our planning process." - Chief Broman.